Food bank 'devastated' by third break-in this year

Volunteers were left in tears after Inspire Support Services was targeted for the third time in less than a year

A volunteer said she had been left "devastated" after a food and baby bank was targeted by burglars for the third time in less than a year.

Inspire Support Services, in Redditch, was broken into on Sunday night, with its front door smashed and money and goods stolen.

The charity, based at Winyates Craft Centre, also offers a drug support service and crisis cafe for vulnerable people.

The community cafe has closed down and some people who rely on it have been turned away, while some volunteers were left in tears, said charity director Karen Martin.

CCTV captured the moment someone ransacked the cafe's kitchen, filling a bag with bottles and ripping the charity boxes from the till.

Ms Martin said: "The impact is massive because you think it's a bit of alcohol but we get sales from that when we run the events to raise money for our food bank.

'They're lowlifes'

"It's really our community that is suffering," she said.

One volunteer, Irene, said this third break-in had made her contemplate whether she should continue volunteering.

"It's just a shame. We do all the food bank and help with clothes, it's a good community.

"Some days I think should I still work here but then I think 'why let them take it away from you?' They're lowlifes," she said.

A mum of two who uses the food bank told BBC Hereford & Worcester the charity was a huge support for many in the community.

She said: "They've helped us without question, for years and years whenever we've needed them."

West Mercia Police said an investigation had begun and said "enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing".