Dismay as £6,000 of tools stolen and window smashed at homelessness charity Emmaus Cambridge

Homelessness charity Emmaus Cambridge has been left dismayed after tools and construction equipment were stolen and a window smashed at its site off the A10.

More than 20 items worth over £6,000 were taken in the raid, including some of sentimental value that had been donated by supporters or those who have been helped by the charity over the years.

Emmaus appealed for public help to replace the items and for donations towards repairing the damage after a Cambridgeshire police investigation failed to identify the culprits or locate the items taken.

Table band saws, sanders, drills and angle grinders were among the items taken from the on-site workshop in Green End, Landbeach, on August 31, which staff discovered the following day.

The site is home to 50 people - known as companions - who have previously experienced homelessness.

Emmaus uses the workshop to help companions learn about construction, project management and property maintenance and, at the time of the burglary and criminal damage, the maintenance team were completing work on a new retail building and replacing windows at the on-site accommodation.

Donna Talbot, the newly-appointed CEO of Emmaus Cambridge, said: “We’re incredibly disappointed by this recent incident. Our whole community was distressed by the news, especially the 50 companions whose home was effectively targeted.

“Our maintenance team has been working quickly to repair the damage; however, it has lost us time on other projects and created additional costs for our charity.

“Emmaus Cambridge is a much-loved feature in the county and like all charities experiencing rising costs and a difficult financial landscape, any support that local people, businesses or organisations can provide will be greatly appreciated.”

Emmaus Cambridge supports those who have experienced homelessness by providing a home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in social enterprises - Joan’s Coffee Shop, retail outlets, house clearance business, eBay department and gardens.

The companions are offered a stable environment to learn new skills and regain their confidence while they work.

To support Emmaus Cambridge, get in touch via hello@emmauscambridge.org.

Visit emmaus.org.uk/cambridge/support-us/donate to help replace lost items or donating to the charity.