Dudley community centre targeted by thieves during burglary
Heartless thieves stole money raised for cancer sufferers and a charity's van during a raid on a Dudley community centre.
The DY1 centre, in Stafford Street, was ransacked after crooks forced their way inside overnight.
Cash was stolen from the safe along with money which had been raised during a Macmillan Cancer coffee morning.
DY1 serves as a base for several charities and houses a number of offices.
A coffee shop is also open to the public while activity sessions are hosted from the centre.
A Ford Transit van used by Lunch on the Run, a charity which trains people with learning difficulties for roles in the catering industry and delivers food in the area, was also stolen.
DY1 only opened in November last year after the Dudley Community Voluntary Service (CVS) took over the running of the building from the borough council and underwent a major refurbishment before its launch.
Thieves broke in overnight and are believed to have used a ram to smash their way through doors once inside, which caused significant damage to the structure of the building.
Staff arrived to the damage this morning and have been left devastated by the attack.
Dudley CVS chief officer Andy Gray said: "It's heartbreaking that people could do this to charities that work so hard to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people in our community.
"We won't be defeated but the services run from DY1 have been disrupted. We're working with staff, volunteers and other supporters to reopen DY1 as quickly as possible.
"We're heartened by the many messages of support that we've been receiving since we announced the news."
The clear-up operation begun yesterday and the centre is aiming re-open as soon as possible.
West Midlands Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said: "There was a break-in sometime overnight.
"Property was stolen from the safe and a white Ford Transit van was also stolen. Inquiries are ongoing."
