Callous vandals slash tyres and start fire in third attack at forces' charity site

Staff and volunteers at Forces Support branch, in West Bromwich, today told of their disappointment at the latest attack.

Tyres were slashed on the charity's van used for collections and deliveries of stock, leaving it off the road for a day until replacements were fitted.

A small fire was also started at a bin outside the premises in Carters Green causing further damage and distress.

The van, a 3.5-ton Luton model, was in the garage for replacements this week but now officials want help to protect their property further.

Charity bosses say they have worked to increase security since previous vandalism attacks last year and have CCTV at the site.

But they are struggling to afford the costs of installing security fencing needed to surround the site after it emerged this could be around £3,000.

Charity staff Michelle Haynes and Trevor Farrow surveyed the damage after it is believed the yobs attacked sometime between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.

CCTV images are now being viewed to try to find the culprits and police were due to visit the premises today.

"There are no words to describe the people who did this," said Michelle. "Someone had stabbed the tyres with a knife. Why would they do this?

"I couldn't believe it. To have it happen again is really bad. It left the van off the road until we could get the tyres replaced."

Vandals used a traffic cone to smash the windscreen of the charity's delivery van during the attack last autumn.

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

The charity is looking for help especially with any new security measures including erecting fencing. Anyone who can help is asked to call the charity on 0121 525 0973.

Police are investigating the vandalism attack and anyone with information can call 101.