A HOSPICE has spoken of the heartbreak of discovering one of their vehicles has been vandalised.

Staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare, based in Northallerton, who care for people with life-limiting illnesses across Hambleton and Richmondshire, arrived at work this morning (Friday, August 14) to find their large Peugeot Expert van stripped of its bonnet and side panels.

Charity chief executive Karen Wilkinson-Bell said everyone was shocked at the theft which, she said, appeared to have been carried out with great care not to damage the bodywork.

"We are all gutted. The van was one we used to pick up and transport furniture and electrical goods for our warehouse saleroom so we really need it. It is covered in Herriot Hospice Homecare branding too so presumably it won’t be easy to get rid of but we think it was stolen for order.

“The worst thing is that although we are insured we have to spend money on getting the van repaired, and see our insurance premium increase, rather than on people who may be in the final weeks of their life.

“The people who took the panels are just heartless – but we have been given so much support from local businesses, which is really appreciated.”

The van is now being repaired at a Simon Bailes dealership which has offered a replacement van - and Northside Truck and Van Limited has also offered a van for the charity to use.

Staff member Deborah Horton was the first to see the damage when she arrived at the charity’s headquarters in Omega Business Park, Thurston Road, Northallerton, and said she was devastated with the discovery.

She said: “I have been to all the businesses on the industrial estate, not only to check if any CCTV has picked up the thieves but also to warn everyone to be vigilant.

“We have to park our vans on the road because we don’t have any garages so we will make sure to park the bonnet right up to a wall in future.”

Pet charity Blue Cross, which has a base in Thirsk, reported similar damage to one of its vans in December last year.

Police are appealing for witnesses of the theft which happened sometime over night between Thursday and today (Friday).

Anyone with information can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and pass information to the force control room, quoting reference number 12150141419.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800-555-111.