YOUTH workers in Kidderminster have been left devastated after vandals attacked their minibus and caused hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage.
CCTV footage shows two offenders snapping off the plastic wheel trims of the minibus belonging to the Kidderminster & District Youth Trust (KDYT) charity.
The attack, which took place shortly after 4am on Friday (March 23) morning, has left KDYT with a £700 repair bill.
But the group was given a boost following the incident as members of the community and businesses have been in touch offering support.
The bus was donated to KDYT by the Department of Transport in recognition of the work they do and is used to provide a range of activities, trips and residential weekends for young people in the district.
It is also used by local scout and guide groups, schools and other charities.
Ben Bennett, Operations Manager at KDYT, said: “The senseless nature of what happened is upsetting and frustrating, due to the way the parts are put on the vehicle, once removed they are useless.
“To cause damage to a minibus that is used so much by the community is really unfair. It is clearly a charity minibus as it has our logos all over it, so those who caused the damage knew what they were doing.
“Many of our youth club members have been really upset by what has happened - KDYT involve young people in helping us run the charity - so they feel this personally.
“That said, we have been overwhelmed by the support from the community and businesses of Wyre Forest, hundreds of people have been in touch sharing their anger and asking how they can support us.
“We have had to buy the parts, as it is cheaper than claiming on the insurance and a car repair company has offered to fit the parts for free, which is great.
“We are left with a bill for £700 which, to put into context, would pay for trips, equipment or staffing for our youth work which engages hundreds of young people every week.”
The Trust hope that the repairs will be completed before they are due to go to North Wales on a Young Leaders activity residential next week.
Anyone who wants to help KDYT with the costs of the parts are asked to drop into Kidderminster Youth House on Bromsgrove Street where a collection box is available.
And anyone with information on the vandalism are asked to call West Mercia Police on 101.
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