Shock and disgust as struggling town charity is targeted by vandals
DIAL A RIDE VAN WINDOW SMASHED ON DRIVEWAY
A STRUGGLING Grimsby charity has been forced to temporarily halt its operations after it was targeted in a mindless act of vandalism.
Dial A Ride, which helps those with mobility and transport issues to do daily tasks such as shopping, was targeted on Thursday, June 9, when a window was smashed on one of its vans, parked outside a house in Pelham Road.
Already struggling following the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers at the charity have been left frustrated and upset by the latest turn of events.
Co-ordinator Ken Peacock is hoping this incident won’t stop them from delivering their vital service.
He said: “One of our 80-year-old drivers, Frank Bemrose, had parked
It just seems to be an act of pure mindless vandalism that has cost us money we simply can’t afford. We’re already running at a four or five driver a day deficit as it is, this is the last thing we needed.
Ken Peacock
the van on his drive as he always does, but woke up to find it had been broken into.
“However, nothing was stolen or taken despite there being a satnav in it.
“It just seems to be an act of pure mindless vandalism that has cost us money we simply can’t afford.
“We’re already running at a four or five driver a day deficit as it is, this is the last thing we needed.
“I find it disgusting to know a small-minded person could do such a thing, especially to a vehicle that is such a benefit to the community.
“This vehicle has done a lot of mileage and hours and we are already scraping through as it is after the pandemic.
“To have this happen is both horrifying and a shock.
“It was something we never expected to happen and when I was told I thought it was a joke at first.
“With us being behind previous levels we’re suffering financially as well so we can ill afford to spend money on things like this.
“It’s just added to a number of things that we didn’t need or want to happen.
“We understand these things happen daily, but for it to happen to a charity vehicle that does so much for the community when we haven’t even recovered from the pandemic is awful.”