Members of a charity for adults with learning disabilities say they are “devastated” after a callous thief broke into their community hub and stole around £300 in cash and chocolates.
Around 12 members and several staff are reported to have fallen victim after a man raided pockets and handbags at the Busydays Daycare centre.
The incident happened at around 11.45am on Friday, April 7, at the Queens Park Community Hub, South Park, where Busydays is based.
It is believed the thief also stole members’ £2.50 lunch money and broke into a charity collecting box containing between £100 and £150.
A member of staff is said to have caught the thief “sliding across the floor on his belly” to avoid being seen, before escaping on a pushbike.
The charity is based at Queens Park Community Hub. Photo: Google Street View
Pat Andrewartha, Manager and Founder at Busydays told The Lincolnite: “We had 12 members in and several staff members.
“He took the members’ £2.50 lunch money and those that had more he took the lot! He also stole around £120 from staff handbags.
“Following this he broke open a charity collecting box for Busydays that was almost full and then he helped himself to chocolates packed by Busydays for sale in the charity shop.
“He was interrupted by a staff member who saw the man sliding across the floor on his belly in a bid not to be seen.
“The member of staff shouted for assistance but despite being chased by two members of staff and a couple of the Prince’s Trust team, who are based in the same building, the thief managed to get away on a bicycle.
“We were devastated by the news. Stealing is bad but this is stooping really low stealing from our members with learning disabilities and sensory problems.
“Fundraising is so difficult it doesn’t come easily and this evil man just snatched it away.”
Lincolnshire Police have been alerted to the incident and are investigating . Anyone with information is being asked to call the non-emergency 101 number quoting incident number 164 of April 7.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!