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The Easter Chocolate Trail held in Chichester was an incredible success which ended in tears after a hard hearted crook stole the charity’s cash.  The Sussex Newspaper is offering an honourable mention to anyone who helps solve this crime. 

The sixth annual Chocolate Trail, organised by Children on the Edge, a charity which helps vulnerable children around the world, raised over £3,000.

The event held at Chichester’s Priory Park was attended by over 400 children who took part in the festive celebrations including face painting, colouring, Easter egg painting, soccer competitions  and the 'stocks' for naughty dads proved wildly popular.

But it was all to end in tears when event sponsors Montezuma’s Chocolates were broken into sometime during the evening of Sunday 4th and the morning of Monday 5th of April, when thieves stole their safe containing more than £6,000, including £200 donated by Montezuma’s customers to help Children on the Edge support refugee children escaping war zones, such as Burma.

Montezuma’s owners, husband and wife team Helen and Simon Pattison, were left devastated by the despicable crime. "Easter weekend for a chocolate business is supposed to be a fun, exciting time, so to have this happen at the end of it is really gutting," said Helen. "The thieves didn't touch the chocolate and not a single bar was missing – they've obviously got no taste."

Children on the Edge fundraising manager, Jane Meechan said the theft was a “huge blow” to the charity. "That money could educate 20 people in Bangladesh. Money goes a long way out there," she said. "I noticed the shop was busy when I went in there on Saturday, it's just a shame some people are out to take advantage of that."
Despite this blow for the charity, Children on the Edge director, Rachel Bentley, was pleased to report on the huge success of this year’s event. "This was our most successful year to date.  We've had more visitors, more volunteers and more corporate support than ever before. We can only say a big 'thank you' to everyone who attended. And thank the heavens it didn't rain!"

Sussex Police said no-one has been arrested or charged for the burglary but enquiries were ongoing. If anyone has any information about the burglary, please contact the police on 0845 6070 999.

*Editors note - The Sussex Newspaper is offering an honourable mention here in the paper for anyone with information that helps solve this crime.
For further information about Children on the Edge, or to make a donation, visit www.childrenontheedge.org
For further information about Montezuma’s Chocolates, to find your nearest store, or order online, visit www.montezumas.co.uk