Southwark charity burgled three times in three months

"Once again we're having to use money from the trustees' tiny reserves to repair the damage to walls and doors and replace stolen computers," says director Janet Kennedy.

"Each time the cost of repair and replacement has come to less than the charity's insurance excess meaning that money from the ever-decreasing trustee reserves has had to be diverted to pay for all the extra work.

"The local crime prevention officer has visited and we're making the changes recommended – at great cost to future work.  This money could have been used to develop new work with the local community, or continue work where the external funding has ended.
 
"Charterhouse-in-Southwark is committed to working with young people, children and families. We run a youth centre where  local young people can meet together safely, learn skills in sports and music technology and develop personal skills to enhance employability  

"To support the work with young people we also run a family support centre where families can get help with issues around parenting skills, educational problems, housing issues and the many other factors which affect local families.  There is also a counselling project to help people with personal issues which affect their lives.

"All of this work is undermined when there is a burglary; all of this work suffers because resources have to be diverted away from helping people to replacing doors and locks."

If anyone has any information about the burglaries at the Crosby Row premises, DC Fiona Cake would love to hear from you. She can be contacted on 07775 824088.