Trail of destruction left after burglars break into Wellingbrorough charity

The Northants Telegraph reported last week that the Daylight Centre in High Street, Wellingborough, has been forced to reduce its hours because of financial difficulties.

Just days later, the charity which has been providing help for the homeless, lonely and vulnerable in the town for more than 20 years has suffered a break-in.

Thieves broke into the property sometime between 5pm yesterday (Tuesday) and 9am today (Wednesday).

While they only took a couple of pounds from the premises, a large amount of damage was caused and the disruption caused meant the centre was unable to open as normal today.

Centre manager Paul Adams said: “They broke in through the fire exit and it’s a fire door so it took a lot of effort to get through it.

“They broke in and came into the main hall and opened every cupboard to see what was in it.

“It’s mainly foodbank stuff but there was tools and other stuff too, although none of that was taken.

“They damaged three computer screens and got through to the main office.

“We assume they were looking for money, but we can’t be sure, and they haven’t found anything.

“But they have had to break down the door and created havoc by opening every drawer.

“We keep no money on the premises, about £3 has gone which would have been sweet money.

“But it’s led to a lot of hassle that we didn’t need and we’ve had to close today.”

Volunteers who had been due to help at the centre today have been helping with the clear-up and while the centre couldn’t open, they were able to get the foodbank up and running this afternoon.

Mr Adams added: “We will be up and running tomorrow and then it’s just the inconvenience of having the joiners round to fix the damage.”

The Daylight Centre Fellowship is an independent charity which aims to meet various personal needs from mental health issues and drug and alcohol abuse to homelessness and isolation.

It also offers a hot meal, a warm place to meet and access to practical support such as sourcing benefits and work opportunities or simply using a telephone or the internet.

The town’s food bank is also run from the centre.

A spokesman for Northants Police said they are investigating a burglary at the centre and would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the break-in by calling 101.

To read more about the Daylight Centre being forced to cut its opening hours, click here