CHARITY bosses have praised neighbours who helped foil would-be-burglars attempting to break-in.

Yobs tried to kick the door in at GO4 Enterprises’ Café on the Rec at Old Heath Recreation Ground in Colchester on Saturday evening but were disturbed by a dog walker.

Catering manager Pepi Sanchez said she was devastated.

She said: “I had a call from the police to say they were sorry but there had been a break in.

“They had kicked at the door and caused some damage.

“It could have been a lot worse but it is going to cost a lot of money to fix.

“But the community has been amazing.

“People have given us donations to fix the door and lots of other people have been helping us out.

“Essex Police were brilliant too – the officer said there was no way they wanted to leave the café unsecured.

“All the neighbours look out for each other and the spirit is getting even stronger.”

GO4 Enterprises helps homeless people and other marginalised groups, such as those recently released from prison and people with low skills.

This is the third time in recent months the café has been targeted and Pepi said having to pay out for damage would hamper future events and activities.

She said: “We are doing what we do to help young people.

“They come in and destroy things for a laugh and a joke just to tell their friends they have done something which they think is cool.

“These people are not professionals, they are young people just kicking at the door.

“We want to help them but if they continue to do it then the rest of the people will miss out.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.