A charity in Frome has expressed its shock after one of its vehicles was stolen and later found burnt out in a local field.
Fair Frome, which runs the town’s food bank and furniture bank along with other services for people in need, reported that its white Ford Transit 350 was stolen from Oakfield Road between 10pm on Tuesday 19th May and 6am on 20th May.
A van matching the description, which the charity uses to deliver furniture to residents, was later discovered burnt out with the engine removed on 21st May on farmland off Frome Road between Frome and Nunney, according to police.
Following the incident, the community has rallied to show support for the charity.
Vice-chair of Fair Frome, Jane Battye, said, “We are very grateful for the way the community has rallied round us. Our van is essential for us to help local people who need support to furnish their homes. The real victims of this crime are the people that we help and the generous donors who fund our services.”
Fair Frome is now working with its insurance company and assessing the wider costs of the damage and disruption to services.
Senior coordinator of Fair Frome, Lenka Grimes, said, “We ask that all our supporters and clients bear with us as we work to keep this vital service going as best we can. Our furniture bank is an important resource for local people. We know we will incur additional expenditure because of what happened to the van, even though the vehicle was insured, so please look out for news of a fundraiser in the near future.”
Avon and Somerset Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch. A spokesperson said, “Anybody with information in relation to the theft, or those with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, are asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 5226137847.”
