A VAN which transports supplies for a hospice has been stolen by vile thieves.

The van was stolen from Fair Havens Hospice’s car park in Priory Crescent on Saturday at 11.33pm and was captured on CCTV.

Havens Hospices’ vans play an important part in the day-to-day running of the hospices and assist the charity in raising vital funds which helps them to provide all its care free of charge to adults and young people across Essex living with complex or incurable conditions.

The branded van, which is driven by staff and volunteers, takes vital supplies and equipment like PPE (personal protective equipment) between their two hospices.

Steve McClure, head of facilities at Havens Hospices, said: “We are shocked and saddened that thieves would target the charity in this way, stealing a van which bares our charity’s logo – especially during a time where charities are facing difficulties raising income in light of the current pandemic.

"This will have a direct impact on our operations.

“The incident has been reported to the police and a claim is now going through our insurance company to replace the van but there will still be associated costs that the charity will have to pay out for like insurance claim excess fees, future insurance renewal premiums and new signage on the replacement van.”

“If anyone has any information relating to the stolen vehicle which is a Ford Transit Van with the registration number EF60 ADZ, please contact the police on their non-emergency number by calling 101.”