Burglary-hit charity 'gutted' by CCTV choice

East Durham Trust's Community House in Peterlee was targeted by thieves

A charity which has been supporting families in crisis for 16 years was left "disappointed and upset" after its community hub was broken into.

The East Durham Trust's Community House in Peterlee was targeted by thieves on 12 April.

Police said they were investigating and appealed for information.

The charity's chief executive, Graham Easterlow, said they had been left with no choice but to spend thousands of pounds on CCTV.

He said the charity had previously chosen not to use CCTV, as many people it supported might feel "uncomfortable having their images captured when coming to collect a food parcel or get crisis support".

The window was smashed and rooms ransacked

Staff found the hub's window smashed and rooms ransacked when they went to work on 12 April.

The charity believes items and cash worth about £110 were taken.

Mr Easterlow described the act as "a crime of desperation" and said it was "very obvious they were looking for cash".

He said the charity felt like it had now been left with no choice but to spend thousands of pounds installing cameras.

"I think that's thousands of pounds that could go to support people with food and energy and all kinds of other services," he said.

"It feels gutting to have to put CCTV up on a building that is for the community and about the community and serves the community."

East Durham Trust's Graham Easterlow has thanked the local community for support

The charity said it was "really grateful" for the "outpouring of support" from the local community following the break-in.

Durham Constabulary confirmed it was investigating a burglary which happened at East Durham Trust’s Community House in Yoden Road, Peterlee.