Minibus thieves branded the ‘lowest of the low’

Thieves who wrecked a minibus used to supply food and support to hundreds of vulnerable Fife families have been described as “the lowest of the low”.

Members of the Levenmouth community have reacted with fury after the vehicle was stolen from outside the Balmaise C o m m u n i ty Centre in Linnwood Drive at some point between Christmas and New Year.

It was found dumped just over a mile away in the Burnmill area of town.

The minibus has been used to deliver meals and other items to more than 300 families.

Although it was recovered, it had been stripped completely of its engine and gear box.

Volunteers have been able to hire a replacement to keep services going and minimise disruption, but the crime has outraged residents who believe individuals with local knowledge are behind the theft.

The cost of a new bus is estimated to be around £23,000 – the equivalent of two part-time pupil support staff – while the hire of a replacement for the next two months will cost at least £500 a week.

Labour councillor Colin Davidson, who has been involved in co-ordinating the community’s response to Covid-19, urged anyone with information to make themselves known as soon as possible.

“This has had a major impact on our ability over the past week to help families in difficulty,” he said.

“It really was the lowest of the low.

“The authorities think it was probably someone with local knowledge as the Broom and Burnmill are not on major routes and heavy garage equipment would need to be used.

“T h e r e’s never a victimless crime, in this instance the thieves have sunk to a new low, stealing from vulnerable families and children.”

Mr Davidson said the response to Covid-19 in general had been incredible, with several individuals and businesses providing incredible support in recent months.

Stuart’s of Buckhaven, for example, has provided several tonnes of food in the last year, with a new initiative called Grab A Bag se t to be launched to support children.

It will be run from the centre in Leven and will give families food with no questions asked.

While the thef t and damage to the minibus has had an impact on deliveries and the transport of volunteers, Mr Davidson said he and others had been inundated with offers of support, ranging from fundraising to more practical help.

He said: “The van is crucial to what we’ve been doing, but the response we’ve had just shows you how the community can come together in times like this.”

Police are investigating the incident and anyone who may have information about the theft, or any other information that may assist their inquiries, should contact 101.

Alternatively, people can contac t Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Possible route of stolen community centre minibus which was found 1.1 miles away in Burnmill Road

VEHICLE STOLEN: Councillor Colin Davidson said the minibus was crucial to getting help out to families in Levenmouth. Picture by Mhairi Edwards.