Break-ins could close our circus down, says owner

The director of a travelling circus which was subject to a double break-in says the burglary could spell the end of the business.

Since arriving at Pelsall Common, near Walsall, last week, Circus Cortex has twice been targeted by thieves, who damaged the tent and stole three motorbikes worth between £15,000 and £20,000.

Irina Archer said the business had already been struggling to draw its usual crowds this year.

"This is our livelihood," she said. "Literally, this could be make or break."

Circus Cortex, which has been touring the country for five seasons, began its visit to Pelsall on 1 May and had been due to perform until Sunday, before moving to Bakewell, Nottingham, Kingswinford and Leicester.

Last week, thieves slashed the big top in three places, causing about £2,000 worth of damage, and broke into the box office, where they stole about £200.

Three motorbikes which were part of the Globe of Death performance - which Ms Archer described as "a highlight of the show" - were also taken in the early hours of Friday, along with safety equipment like helmets.

"It's obviously going to be a shorter performance, and not as exciting for the public unfortunately - but what can we do?" asked Ms Archer. "For us to perform, we need the bikes.

"But I'm not in a position to fork another £20,000 out."

The bikes - and their riders - had been specially imported from Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia.

Ms Archer said the circus was already "on its knees" because the cost of living crisis meant people were staying away.

She explained: "We were thinking we would have to shut down in a week or two if the business doesn't improve because it's the first time in five years we're actually struggling to tick over.

"And then this [the thefts] are putting an extra strain on it.

"We've got 25 employees here who are dependent on the performance and a lot of their families depend on them sending money home, because I still have quite a few Ukrainians here on the Ukraine scheme."

In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "We're investigating after three performance motorbikes belonging to a visiting circus were stolen from a truck parked up at Pelsall Common, Pelsall.

"The theft took place between 1am and 7am [on Friday]."

The force asked anyone with information to get in touch.

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