A COMMUNITY is counting its losses today after yobs embarked on a vandalism spree and stole hundreds of pounds worth of equipment.

A COMMUNITY is counting its losses today after yobs embarked on a vandalism spree and stole hundreds of pounds worth of equipment.

Members of Whitton Residents Association were devastated to discover their portable building had been broken into and most of the computer equipment had been taken from inside. On the same night, vandals smashed many of the floodlights surrounding St Mary and St Botolph church, in Whitton Church Lane, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

Both the association and the church are very active in the community, holding events and clubs to help those disadvantaged in the area.

The floodlights at the church were installed following a massive fundraising campaign and were designed to illuminate the building and prevent anti-social behaviour in the grounds.

Paul Calvesbert, chair of the association, said: “We can't believe it. It is a nasty thing to have happened and we didn't expect it.

“A week before we had an anniversary party because we had been given the buildings a year ago.

“Now all our computer equipment has gone and it has really upset the members as we all do this for free and all the equipment had been donated or we had raised money for it.”

The theft of the equipment, worth about £600, happened between Friday night and Saturday morning at the association's building in Whitton Church Lane. During the theft, glass was smashed and telephones were ripped from the walls, causing about £500 worth of damage.

Mr Calvesbert added: “We only got the equipment recently and this is where people were coming to use the internet - they can't do that anymore. We're going to have to start from scratch now, we don't think we're insured either.

“If anyone could donate anything so we can get up and running again we would ask them to contact us.”

Councillor for the Whitton ward, Steven Wells, said: “The message to the people of Whitton is the more people that join together and help the community, the stronger we will be.”

Anyone with information about the theft or vandalism, or saw a red Ford Fiesta outside the building between 11pm and 1am, should call Pc Paul French from Suffolk police's North West Ipswich Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500.

To donate equipment to Whitton Residents Association call 07725 041132.

Have you been affected by anti-social behaviour? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk