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The van helped deliver household items, such as beds and fridges, to those in need
A Derby charity has pleaded for help from the community after their van used to deliver essential goods was stolen from their warehouse unit.
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance’s furniture project van, which is used to deliver essential items to those in need, was stolen over the weekend of Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, according to Paul Brookhouse from the charity itself.
He said: “We bought the van last May and have been using it to deliver items to those who urgently need them.
“It had always been kept at the Ascot Drive unit, but we discovered it was missing on Monday morning.
“We’ve had no choice but to halt the service, but this means that we currently have families and individuals in crisis who are expecting support that we cannot support without a van.
“Right now, we simply cannot reach them.”
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance’s furniture and electrical project has been running since March and aims to help households rebuild their lives after crisis by delivering essential items such as beds, microwaves, fridges, sofas and washing machines.
“There is no other project in the city which delivers electrical items, and having things such as a fridge and a cooker is of highest importance,” Paul added.
“We need an urgent solution to make sure people don’t go without these essential items or get themselves into debt to purchase them with extortionate interest rates.”
Mr Brookhouse said that he had reported the incident to police, but that he had “little hope” he would ever see the unmarked white van again, and the charity’s main focus was now to find a replacement as soon as possible whilst a new long-term solution is being worked out.
“We urgently need the temporary use of a long-wheelbase, high-top Transit or similar, so this vital service can continue,” he added.
“We already have fully insured volunteer drivers ready to go, we just need the vehicle.
“Every day without a van potentially means another household left without a bed, a fridge, or somewhere to sit.”
He has asked anyone who can help to reach out via 01332 227730 or by emailing info@df4ta.com.
Derbyshire Police has confirmed the incident and that no arrests have been made, adding that the force is waiting for some CCTV footage to help with inquiries.
Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch with the force, using reference number 26000019859.
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