Bouncy castle firms caught in party sting

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Saturday 5th Jun 2004.

Two bouncy castle businesses have had inflatables stolen in an identical sting on the same day.

Both firms left a castle at a respectable-looking house only to return hours later to find the property deserted.

Kevin Moore, of Cottingley, has been left £1,200 out-of-pocket and struggling financially after the con.

Mr Moore, who owns 1st Choice Entertainment in Cottingley, said: "Something like this really takes the wind out of your sails and leaves you feeling frustrated.

"All this does is make you wary of taking orders and makes you ask for two forms of identification and large deposits.

"That then leaves innocent people having to pay extra to hire a bouncy castle and have a fun time."

Hours earlier on Monday, staff at Happy Dayz in Wyke were tricked out of a castle in an identical theft at 6 North Byland, Illingworth, near Halifax.

In both cases a woman claiming to be called Toni Greenwood called wanting to hire a bouncy castle for a third birthday party.

Mr Moore said: "I had a feeling something was wrong and actually returned 30 minutes later. The woman had not returned but a lad was there.

"Then when I came back a few hours later everything had gone.

"I would just advise people if they are offered a big purple, orange and green bouncy castle with a blue roof with 1st Choice Bouncy Castles written on it to be careful.

"If they do buy it they would be handling stolen goods and they should report it to the police."

Staff at Happy Dayz dropped off their bouncy castle, valued at £750, at 11am and Mr Moore delivered his castle in the early afternoon.

When Happy Dayz partner John Priestley returned at about 5.30pm the house had been abandoned.

Sergeant Phillip Walker, intelligence co-ordinator at Calderdale police, said the incident was being investigated.

Anyone with information should contact PC Kieron Lavery on (01422) 337077.

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