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Children in tears at Santa snatch Children in tears at Santa snatch
(about 17 hours later)
Heartless thieves showed no festive cheer in Belfast this weekend after snatching Santa's red suit.Heartless thieves showed no festive cheer in Belfast this weekend after snatching Santa's red suit.
They broke into the Christmas grotto at the City Hall overnight on Saturday and made off with his legendary suit.They broke into the Christmas grotto at the City Hall overnight on Saturday and made off with his legendary suit.
Disappointed families were turned away on Sunday, as without his suit, Santa could not meet and greet the children.Disappointed families were turned away on Sunday, as without his suit, Santa could not meet and greet the children.
It was also a big setback for the charity he was supporting; hundreds of pounds were lost in fundraising for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.It was also a big setback for the charity he was supporting; hundreds of pounds were lost in fundraising for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
Dorothy Cooke of the Northern Ireland Hospice said: "The children's hospice costs £1.5m a year and we desperately need this money.Dorothy Cooke of the Northern Ireland Hospice said: "The children's hospice costs £1.5m a year and we desperately need this money.
Dorothy Cooke said it had deprived the charity of fundsDorothy Cooke said it had deprived the charity of funds
Tomfoolery
"I appreciate this has probably been a bit of tomfoolery but the consequences have been we have lost almost £600, probably a lot more. It is really sad that this has happened.""I appreciate this has probably been a bit of tomfoolery but the consequences have been we have lost almost £600, probably a lot more. It is really sad that this has happened."
Having been fitted with a replacement suit, it is hoped that Santa will be back in business on Monday.Having been fitted with a replacement suit, it is hoped that Santa will be back in business on Monday.
However, the charity is appealing for those who took his old one to show a bit of Christmas spirit - and return it to its rightful owner.However, the charity is appealing for those who took his old one to show a bit of Christmas spirit - and return it to its rightful owner.