WHO could do such a thing?
A babies room trashed and smashed, toys destroyed.
Slash marks stabbed into the walls, fire extinguishers let off, taps left running and electric heaters left on.
Double french doors, frame as well, ripped off, the wall half destroyed, obscene graffiti scrawled everywhere, chairs and cookers smashed, work done by the Prince’s Trust wrecked and thrown over the back fence.
Smashed glass everywhere. Vicious looking knives left lying around – and the smell…
This was the scene that greeted volunteers when they arrived on Monday morning to open up the Sandycroft Centre in Redditch, a charity and refuge for some of the most vulnerable people in this town.
And Police believe these were no ordinary vandals, but done with malice in mind.
Heartbroken Sandycroft manager Lee Mackenzie said: “We’ve been here 30 years and yes, we’ve had the odd bit of criminal damage but nothing much, until this.
“Nothing has been stolen, X-Box things and the like. They even put music on while they did all the damage.
“The really upsetting thing is the babies room – who could have done such a thing to a babies room?”
The Sandycroft Centre is tucked away in Mount Pleasant, if you didn’t know about it you wouldn’t know it is there.
Yet it is a refuge for victims of domestic violence, people with mental health issues and those fighting to turn their lives around.
It also runs a packed programme of popular courses covering everything from dress making and computers for beginners to creative writing and business administration with more than 250 users.
As a charity it relies heavily on public donations, the local community and partner organisations to get things done.
Police forensic experts have taken fingerprints and other tell-tale clues have been collected.
“They believe it was done by no more than two or three people, that they spent several hours here and that it was malicious,” said Lee.
She also paid tribute to the response from Redditch Borough Council which sent a team out to make the building secure.
Councillor Gareth Prosser, whose portfolio covers community safety, said: “Sandycroft is an adult learning centre which provides excellent services to the people of Redditch.
“What I have seen is an act of wanton criminal damage and I would appeal to anyone who has any information on who did this to call the Police.
“We have prioritised the situation at Sandycroft.”
A Police spokesperson said: “I can confirm an investigation is under way into a burglary at Sandycroft Centre.
“Considerable damage was caused but, at this time, nothing appears to have been stolen.
“Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.”
Anyone with any information can also ring the Redditch Standard on 01527 588697.
