The Green Light Trust, in Lawshall near Bury St Edmunds, counting cost after wheels of minibus stolen
A charity which helps people with additional needs has been left counting the cost after the wheels of one of its minibuses were stolen.
The Green Light Trust (GLT), based in Bury Road, Lawshall, had all four wheels and tyres of its biggest Ford Transit minibus taken overnight between Saturday and Sunday.
Many of the charity’s participants rely on its transport services to attend its programmes, which aid their well-being and personal growth.
The GLT, which launched in 1989, transforms the lives of disadvantaged people through the power of nature.
Lauren Shand, chief executive, said: “Replacing the stolen wheels will be costly, and while we are hoping to get the minibus back on the road as soon as possible, this expense will strain our already limited resources.
“The lack of reliable transportation may lead to missed sessions, increased isolation and additional stress for our participants and their families.
“We are exploring all options to cover the cost, including potential insurance claims, fund-raising efforts and reallocating funds from other areas.”
Ms Shand said the charity is working ‘extremely hard’ to limit the impact of the theft on its participants.
GLT’s priority is to get the bus operational again without compromising its other services.
The charity runs bushcraft workshops, extended mental health recovery programmes, wellbeing initiatives as well as bespoke training and activities with specific needs in mind.
Ms Shand said: “To those who stole the wheels, we would like to emphasise the far-reaching consequences of your actions.
“This theft has not just taken away physical property, it has disrupted the lives of many vulnerable people who depend on our services.
“We urge you to consider the impact of such actions on the community and to understand that these are not victimless crimes.”
The charity said the crime caused distress and inconvenience to those who rely on it and invited the public to help out with donations if they could.
A police spokesperson said the force is appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or a smart doorbell in the area to review footage to see if there is anything that could aid the investigation.
It also requested that anyone who was driving in the area at the time who has a dashcam to check if there is anything relevant.
Those with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/37999/24.