Sadness over 'desperate' food bank break-in

Food bank volunteers said their initial shock at a burglary over Christmas turned into sadness after they discovered the culprit used a microwave to heat up some food while they were in the building.

Staff at the Ladybrook Friends Foodshare in Mansfield discovered a fire extinguisher had been used to smash a hole in the wall of their food store and food stolen some time between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Sue Swinscoe, 64, who helps run the centre, said she was "very disappointed", until she realised the thief or thieves had warmed up and eaten soup, beans and sausages.

"It made me feel a bit sad someone was desperate enough to break in to steal food, especially over Christmas," she added.

"Someone must be hungry to take time out to stay behind and help themselves to something like that.

"We don't condone the action, but we understand it."

At least four bags' worth of food, as well as other items such as games were taken during the break-in at the centre at Brookside Hall in Ladybrook Lane.

Volunteer Paul Henshaw, 70, said it was not possible to determine their motivation, but they would have offered help to them if they had only asked.

He added: "We were initially shocked someone had broken into the hall, whatever their motive.

"Our initial anger went to, why do people do these sorts of things?

"We wanted to hope people wouldn't have to resort to such measures to get to food - that's why we're here.

"We'll hopefully just brush this to one side and carry on and help people."

The food bank is open every Saturday and about 30 people attend every week.

Volunteers expect they will be able to restock in time for their first session in January, due to the support of their donors.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were investigating the burglary and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

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