April 20, 2022 6.00 am This story is over 22 months old

Mental health charity’s offer to ‘Mr Nike trainers and pals’ after break-in

Around £500 worth of equipment allegedly stolen

A mental health charity in Bourne said it has been “overwhelmed with messages of support” from its “truly amazing community” after a break-in at its cafe saw ‘around £500 worth of equipment stolen’.

Don’t Lose Hope is located on North Street in Bourne and offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community from age four and upwards. It is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to others.

The charity raises funds through its cafe, gift shop and donations. However, during the evening of Thursday, April 14 the charity says “at least three young men tried to break into the cafe by climbing on the roof and breaking into the loft hatch”. The charity added: “Luckily they didn’t manage to get any further.”

Don’t Lose Hope claimed in a post on social media: “We do have them on CCTV but do not want to publicly shame them (we know children who get involved with crime can come from very supportive and loving homes). This was reported to the police.

“However, last night the fence was cut and the storage shed at the community garden was broken into with around £500 worth of equipment being stolen.

“This message is to you Mr Nike trainers, Mr JD Sports bag and and Mr curly hair. We are giving you this opportunity to own up to us, or the police before they come knocking.

“We can work out a repayment plan via volunteer working hours. Maybe that will teach you the value of people’s hard work and prevent you from this course of action in the future.”

Later that evening the charity thanked everyone for their support saying: “What a truly amazing community we have. We have been overwhelmed with messages of support and offers to replace the tools…thank you.”

Lincolnshire Police said several other businesses were also burgled between April 16 and 17.

The force said those targeted included Don’t Lose Hope, YMCA, Greetings From the Year and Community Gardens.

Various items were taken from the shops, but no arrests have been made by the time of publication.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 282 of April 17.