Burglars have stolen cameras, computers and cash from a Brighton charity for disabled children the night after it held a bucket collection at a comedy night fundraiser.
But while the thieves made off with valuable electronic equipment and some petty cash, the proceeds of the collection had already been banked.
The burglary took place at the offices of Amaze, in Community Base, in Queen’s Road, Brighton, on Friday night (18 October).
The charity said: “Thieves broke down the door of local charity Amaze on Friday night, and spent some time smashing the locks to every locked filing cabinet and drawer, walking away with hundreds of pounds of laptops and camera equipment. A small amount of petty cash was also taken.”
Amaze chief executive Rachel Travers said: “While we are very sympathetic to the desperate situation some people find themselves in, it is really shocking that anyone would think to steal from our small charity which works to support some of city’s most vulnerable children.
“Thankfully we didn’t have much equipment worth stealing but at Amaze we always struggle to make ends meet, and fully fund our services, so every penny counts.”
They charity added: “It is thought someone somehow gained access to the shared Community Base building on Queen’s Road, Brighton, and then waited for all staff to leave before breaking into the Amaze office.
“The burglars even went through our collection buckets and tins looking for money but we had thankfully just banked this all following our successful ‘Big Cheer for Amaze’ fundraiser at the Komedia on Thursday night.’
“If you have any information please contact Sussex Police or – if you would like to help Amaze replace these items – you can donate to Amaze at www.justgiving.com/amaze/donate or contacting nickyb@amazesussex.org.uk.”
