Staff and volunteers at Aspire, a community charity based in the heart of Ryde, are this morning (Thursday) counting the costs of a break-in overnight, which has resulted in a loss of up to £1000.
At some point overnight a burglar entered the former church building on Dover Street via a window before making their way through each room, stealing a Casio till containing cash, a HP laptop and even emptying charity collection tins from a variety of locations throughout the community hub.
Although the small charity have been hit by such a large loss both financially and emotionally, it is service as normal today with volunteers supporting the local anxiety group, feeding the homeless and hosting an over 70’s lunch.
Heath Monaghan of Aspire has told Island Echo that he estimates that the total loss to the charity is in the region of £500-£1000.
Forensic investigators are examining the scene today in a bid to identity the person or persons responsible.
To make a donation to the charity or to find out more information about the work they do visit https://www.aspireryde.org.uk/ or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AspireRyde/.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101. Information can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
