Charity hits out against thieves (From Barry And District News)

Charity hits out against thieves

A HARD-WORKING charity has slammed the thieves who stole its computers over the weekend.

Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern says the machines contain crucial information about the service it provides.

It is believed thieves broke into the charity's base at the Community Hall, Sunnycroft Lane, over the weekend.

Chairman Dr Joan Andrews told the Times: "We found out about the break-in on Monday morning when the door was left open.

"But we think the thieves were disturbed because there was a chair waiting to be taken away with an electric fan on it.

"The combined price of replacing the computers is between £1,600 to £2,000.

One computer was brand new and was bought with a £900 Vale Council grant.

"There was a new lock fitted by the local council only a few weeks ago but the thieves still forced their way in."

Now the group, which was formed in 1971, is struggling to provide its usual excellent service to the scores of elderly residents who rely on them.

One essential function it supplies is the mini-bus run each week to pick up and take senior citizens to do their shopping or simply go to an event.

But, luckily, this should remain unaffected.

Group Co-ordinator Violet Bolt said: "We need the computers to do our job.

"It is lucky coincidence that we have a back up for the addresses and numbers of our clients.

"Without that list we would be struggling to contact the users individually."

Voluntary minibus driver for the group Malcolm Moss of Pembroke Close, Dinas Powys, added: "I am disgusted at what has happened.

If the thieves are caught they should be forced to pay for new computers.

"This service is vital to so many people that they would be lost without it."