Doncaster youth project struck by thieves less than two months after launch

Pastor Kingsley Avagah officially launched the Paradigm Impact Project on June 8 in the same premises at the Agape Life Chapel, a Christian gospel church based on the premises of the Civic Quarter car park in the town centre.

He spent around £2,000 on music equipment for youngsters to use as part of the project, which seeks to provide activities for young people and help their self confidence through performing arts.

But when he arrived at the site on the morning of Tuesday July 17, he found doors open inside, his own office ransacked, and the musical equipment stolen.

The raiders had taken three guitars, a mixing desk, 12 microphones and a lap top used as a projector.

Mr Avagah said: "I was heartbroken, and I still am. I'm not a person who is easily discouraged, but this hit me strongly. It has taken a lot of sacrifice to come this far, and we have not even finished our work.

"For someone or some people to do something like this is heartbreaking. We're offering a free service to the community, and to help young people become better people. All the activities here are free. On Saturday they came in and couldn't use the instruments.

"We have 15 people who come here and that number is growing. We only started recently. My message to whoever did this is please consider the work we are dong for the community. Bring these back for us."

He said he was keen to get started again and is appealing to anyone who can donate second hand instruments to come forward, and for any music teachers who could help teach how to play the instruments to get in touch.

"I'm determined to keep the project going," he said.

Anyone who can help call Kingsley on 07449 318572 or email him on [email protected].

A statement from South Yorkshire Police said:: "I can confirm that we received the report and we would ask anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious to contact 101 quoting incident 531 of 17 July 2018.