Minibuses stolen from autism college replaced

The local community were so moved by the college's predicament they have provided alternative transport

Businesses have stepped in to help after three minibuses were stolen from a college for autistic young people.

The vehicles were taken from the locked compound of Harrison College in Doncaster on Monday.

College principal Gemma Peebles said they had been essential as the college specialises in post-16 job provision for students with additional needs and used the minibuses to get them to their job placements.

However, one business in the area has loaned the college a nine-seater van while another is paying for two hire vehicles so students can continue to get to work.

"As a small, independent education provider the loss is deeply saddening and frustrating," Ms Peebles said.

"Our dedicated team works tirelessly to create opportunities for students but acts like these threaten to derail our efforts."

She said the team at the college and stepped in to make interim plans to support their students.

David Chilvers, sales director at Clarks Vehicle Conversions, who provided the nine-seater, said: “We were glad to be able to do our little bit to help – we love what the college does.”

Freight company Woodland Group, who helped with hiring two long-term minibuses, said: "Witnessing the incredible work Harrison College does to support these children, we felt it was essential to restore stability to their lives both in the short and long term."

The three minibuses were stolen from a locked compound, the college said

First Bus said it was unable to divert one of its regular routes past the college, it had taken other action to help.

“We are bringing a bus in from Sheffield and from Monday we will operate a special service free of charge between the interchange and the college just for students until Christmas, which I will drive myself," a spokesperson said.

Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, who asked First Bus if it could help on hearing about the burglary, said it was "heart-warming" to see the community support for the college.

Ms Peebles said: "This is what humanity looks like – lifting each other up, not taking from those striving to make a change and do the right thing."

South Yorkshire Police said the theft was under investigation and the college thanked the force for its "rapid response" to the incident.

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