Community hub "devastated" after second burglary in a week

Thieves have again smashed their way into the Harwich Space hub, which is home to a number of community groups, including the North Essex Support Team (Nest) and Harwich's Ukraine Support Project.

The latest break-in saw a large television taken for the George Street site on Wednesday at about 1pm.

Debbie Lear, administrator of the community project, said: “I am sorry to say that we were targeted again - we can hardly believe the audacity of it.

“The people concerned made off with a very large wall-mounted television, which was carried on one of our own trolleys.

“They also smashed up a historically important 17th Century wine bottle in the office.

“The bottle has some value, although not hundreds, however we are more upset that having managed to survive a few hundred years it has now ended up in pieces all over the office floor.”

Mrs Lear said that despite the cost to the community project it is hoped extra security can be put in place.

She added: “We are devastated as these two burglaries have had a profound effect.

“The humanitarian charity we were hoping to work with more intensively have pulled out as they cannot park here safely.

“Even more disappointing is the fact the people of Harwich have been so generous to our Ukraine initiative only to have mindless thieves try to derail it.”

Last week callous crooks broke into the facility between the evening of Thursday, September 1, and 8.20am the following morning.

They ransacked the building, throwing a cannonball around the office, before stealing tools and computer equipment.

They also damaged a truck, which belongs to the charity Teech, which was due to transport vital goods to Ukrainians in need following the Russian invasion.

It is understood the humanitarian trip, which was also due to include Moldova, may now have to be delayed.

Anyone who spots the trolley or has information about the break-ins is asked to call Essex Police on 101.