Yobs target Ipswich charity

WORKERS at a Gainsborough-based charity today told of their anger as yobs continually vandalise their property.

The Ipswich Furniture Project, in Hogarth Road, has repeatedly been targeted by youngsters over the last few months and say the situation is getting out of control.

Bob Whitehead, project manager of the charity said: "We have always had problems with youths entering our yard causing minor damage, but during the past week, it has become a daily event.

"Rubbish has been strewn around, scrap appliances stored in the yard awaiting disposal have been pushed over, barbed wire on the perimeter fences has been cut and tiles have been broken on the roof.

"Only weeks ago two attempted break-ins were foiled when the charity's alarms sounded after intruders smashed their way through shuttered windows."

The Ipswich Furniture Project provides new furniture and household items for tenants living in the area, but despite providing a service for the area, is constantly being targeted.

Two vans were recently attacked causing considerable damage to the vehicles. The first incident saw a fridge freezer pushed into the van making a hole in its side, causing an estimated £1,000 damage.

Days later, a separate van had two of its windows smashed and a brick was found on the front seat.

The charity, which survives on donations, cannot afford to be constantly paying for repairs and cleanup operations.

Mr Whitehead added: "The youths even come in when we are here, they just give you a lot of abuse but you cannot do anything and they know it.

"It does get you down and it is nearly every morning that something has happened."

n What do you think can be done to stop the vandals? Are they making your life a misery? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk