'Trail of destruction' as thieves raid Luton Sight Concern offices during coronavirus lockdown

Bosses at Sight Concern Luton said it was with "great sadness and dismay" they announced their Union Street offices had been broken into.

The charity believes that thieves recognised their offices were unoccupied due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The culprits broke open a window to gain access to the building, and went on a "trail of destruction" according to the charity.

A Sight Concern spokesman said: "In their search for money they managed to destroy most of our lockable cabinets and even unscrewed and ripped out our safe!

"The thieves also took IT equipment belonging to SCB, equipment used to teach people living with sight loss ways they can access support and remain independent through using technology.

"Due to the mess the building was left in and the current situation we have with COVID-19, it has been incredibly challenging to get things straight, especially as we are all meant to be working from home now."

For weeks, members of the Sight Concern Luton team have worked tirelessly from home during the coronavirus lockdown to ensure the charity is able to maintain its services.

Some staff have now had to return to the office to help resolve the aftermath of the burglary.

The spokesman added: "Despite this dreadful situation, we are still working hard to help people with sight loss out in our community at this difficult time when isolation can be an even greater issue than it usually is.

"If you or anyone you know needs our support please do not hesitate to contact us on our phone 01582 655554 or on our Bedford number, 01234 311555. You can also visit us at www.sightconcern.org.uk.

"The impact to Sight Concern has been considerable due to the cost of replacing the window, the amount of furniture that has now been rendered unusable and needs replacing, and the amount of donations that were stolen. If you are able to help, please, please could you donate to SCB. Every little helps and every donation is a step closer to us replacing some of our equipment.

"Sight Concern would like to thank you all for your patience in these testing times."

To donate to the charity, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1015639.