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Van which helps families of Black Country soldiers vandalised - again

A charity which helps the families of Black Country soldiers has been targeted by vandals for the second time forcing them to call for help to improve security.

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Vandals used a traffic cone to smash the windscreen of the charity's delivery van during the attack at the West Bromwich branch of Forces Support.

It forced the charity's van off the road for the day bring to a halt the work of volunteers, who provide support and completes tasks to help bereaved families.

The charity, which has more recently supported the family of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby by renovating their garden in Greater Manchester, said they have been shocked by the vandalism.

The attack comes just weeks after a thief ripped a wing mirror from another of its vans costing the charity vital funds for repairs.

Forces Support driver Trevor Farrow looks at the damage caused to one of the West Bromwich based charities van's after vandals attacked it yesterday.

In the latest attack, on Sunday evening, bosses say they have CCTV footage showing the traffic cone being thrown at their van.

They saw two men hanging around outside their premises, in Carters Green, earlier in the evenings from 7.30pm.

But they claim the footage shows the cone being thrown by people off screen at around later that night around 11pm.

Charity workers also believe that the men had been drinking as empty bottles where left at the scene and someone had defecated nearby.

Officers from West Midlands Police are examining CCTV footage and have been to the scene to take statements in order to launch an investigation.

The van, a 3.5 ton Luton model, was being repaired this week but now bosses want help to protect their property further.

Charity spokeswoman Michelle Haynes said today: "It is disgusting to think people would do something like this to a charity.

"This is the second time this has happened so far. We have been verbally abused by people too.

"It meant that we haven't been able to use the van since it was fixed which isn't great at all."

She added: "We are asking for some help to improve security. We want to instal some gates at the side of our premises to help. But we think they could cost around £2,000 and we would struggle to pay the full cost."

Anyone who can help are asked to call the charity on 0121 525 0973.

Police are investigating the vandalism attack and anyone with information is asked to call 101.

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