Doncaster food bank raises funds for damaged vans following break-in

A food bank in Doncaster has been forced to halt its operations after their vans were badly damaged in a burglary incident in the early hours of New Year's Eve.
By Rahmah Ghazali
Published 5th Jan 2021, 12:16 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tom Richards, a volunteer from Edlington Community Organisation said the vehicles were broken into when they were closed for a week over Christmas.

He said: "The thieves tried to break into the actual building but not succeeded so they tried both our vans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The vans are out on commission at the minute so we cannot collect any food and they are still in repair."

The damage done following the break-in. Picture by Tom RichardsThe damage done following the break-in. Picture by Tom Richards
The damage done following the break-in. Picture by Tom Richards

CRIME: Witness speaks out after Sheffield United star Lys Mousset’s Lamborghini in horror crash

He said the thieves had smashed both passengers' side windows on each van and stolen air vents from the big van and a wing mirror from the little van.

"They also took an axe to the back of the van so there's a really big hole in there."

He said since the incident, the foodbank has launched a fundraising campaign to help pay insurance excess to repair the vans.

The passenger's side window was smashed in the incident. Picture by Tom RichardsThe passenger's side window was smashed in the incident. Picture by Tom Richards
The passenger's side window was smashed in the incident. Picture by Tom Richards

They have so far raised £800, exceeding their £450 target.

PEOPLE: New lockdown forces Doncaster's Yorkshire Wildlife Park to close again

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's absolutely amazing. We only needed it for £450 for the excess to repair the vans but people are still donating now even we are about a week on. Brilliant."

South Yorkshire Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident.

The empty card boxes were ransacked during the break-in. Picture by Tom Richards.The empty card boxes were ransacked during the break-in. Picture by Tom Richards.
The empty card boxes were ransacked during the break-in. Picture by Tom Richards.

A spokespersons said: "At 6.50am on Thursday 31 December, police were called to the community centre on Edlington Lane, following reports that at some time overnight persons unknown had forced entry to the locked car park."

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 288 of 31 December 2020.

CRIME: How to report lockdown rule breakers in Doncaster to the police

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.