Charity left 'heartbroken' by mindless vandalism

Green Synergy said the cost to repair a polytunnel at its community garden would be more than £3,000

A Lincoln charity is facing an £8,000 bill after vandals broke in, damaged its site and stole property.

Green Synergy, based on Roman Pavement, provides community gardening and therapeutic horticulture to support local people with a range of needs.

Police have appealed for information about the theft, which took place after a family fun day attended by about 200 people on Wednesday.

Ali Talbot, who works for the charity, said the group was "heartbroken by the mindless vandalism" that took place after a "wonderful" day.

"There has been a real sense of shock, a real sense of heartbreak, and a sense of frustration and anger, that something that is so beautiful, and the work we do makes such a positive difference to peoples lives, has been damaged in this way."

Boxes of equipment were damaged and stolen in the break-in

The charity is delivering programmes for youngsters funded by Children In Need during the school holidays, which means it needs to replace the equipment soon so they can continue.

Ms Talbot said the charity had reflected on the "sound of laughter and joy, and the difference a day makes" supporting the community versus being faced with criminal activity.

She said "the difference they make" to children, young people and adults in Lincoln helped them to continue despite the setback.

The charity is now fundraising to replace the stolen goods and fix the damaged polytunnels.

Lincolnshire Police has released the images of two people they would like to talk to in connection with the incident

Lincolnshire Police has appealed for information on those who broke into the site and has released images of two people they would like to speak to.

The force said the family fun day was "well attended" and "everyone had a lovely time which, in the current climate, we can all agree is much needed".

A statement added: "The costs to rectify these mindless and selfish actions are not easy to cover."

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