Over £45k raised after disability charity break-in

The charity supports people with Down's syndrome and autism, and said they had found the break-in "upsetting and unnerving"

Thousands of pounds have been raised for a learning disability charity which had more than £50,000 of kit stolen in a night-time raid.

Police said thieves broke into a maintenance building at Minstead Lodge, Hampshire, overnight between 2 and 3 October.

A transit van and tools were among the items missing, according to Minstead Trust.

The charity, which works with more than 300 vulnerable people, said it had since received "generous donations" of about £45,000.

"Crucial" equipment like a ride-on mower and chainsaws were stolen from the building on Seaman’s Lane

In a post on Facebook, the charity said people's kindness following the theft had "lifted spirits" and "reminded everyone we support how valued they are within their community".

"Thanks to generous donations - over £45,000 so far - as well as gifts of equipment and time, we are well on our way back."

The charity, which runs day activities in the New Forest like gardening, said the last two weeks had been a "challenging time".

Sessions were disrupted as a result of the theft, and maintenance of the grounds was forced to stop.

Minstead Trust has been supporting people with learning disabilities in the New Forest for about 40 years

Although it planned to put in an insurance claim, Minstead Trust had been appealing for donations from the public to help cover costs.

The charity said there would "inevitably be a significant shortfall" and more money would be needed for extra security.

Adam Dodd, the charity's chief executive, previously said it was hard to comprehend why someone would steal crucial equipment used to build skills and improve the lives of the people it supported.

"Although these people have managed to take our possessions, they do not diminish our community spirit and all they do is bring us even closer together," he added.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.