Bexhill youth charity targeted in ram-raid
Sussex Police said the exterior of the premises was damaged and a number of items were also damaged and stolen
- Published
A Sussex youth charity says it has been left with a £25,000 bill after its workshop was targeted by thieves in a ram-raid.
The frontage of the Pit-Stop Youth Trust premises in Beeching Close, Bexhill-on-Sea, was discovered damaged on Saturday morning following the raid.
Staff at the site, where youths help restore mechanical vehicles, said two motorcycles were stolen, and Sussex Police said a number of items were damaged or stolen.
Lee Dunn, a trustee of Pit-Stop Youth Trust Lee Dunn, described the raid as "awful".
In a post on social media, Mr Dunn said: " We have lost two motorcycles and other powered items.
"The huge amount of damage and the large amount of items stolen, along with repairs, is looking at costing our charity in excess of £25,000.
"It's so heart-breaking as the sole aim of our charity is to help and support young people and at the moment we can't offer this free service due to a few reckless individuals."
Mr Dunn said the cost of replacing stolen items and repairing damage was "in excess of £25,000"
Mr Dunn added that much of the cost would not be covered by the charity's insurance.
Pit-Stop Youth Trust is an independent charity which supports young people by getting them involved with mechanical projects, including restoring vintage vehicles.
Sussex Police urged any witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident, to come forward.
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