Anger after Sheffield Sea Cadets’ base broken into and minibus stolen

Heartless thieves last night broke into the Sheffield Sea Cadets’ Pitsmoor base before stealing their minibus and ramming the vehicle through their security fences.
By Dan Hayes
Published 13th Oct 2020, 13:30 BST
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The burglars broke into the Cadets’ Falkland Training Centre on Rutland Road at around 11pm on Monday, October 12.

They then managed to start the group’s minibus before ramming it three or four times into the base’s security fences, ripping one of the ground posts clear out of the ground.

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Sheffield Sea Cadets First Lieutenant Chris Camps - who described the scene which greeted him when he arrived at the base as ‘carnage’ - said the vehicle was ultimately found dumped and badly damaged nearby, but the gates were a write-off.

The minibus was stolen from the Sea Cadets' base on Monday night.The minibus was stolen from the Sea Cadets' base on Monday night.
The minibus was stolen from the Sea Cadets' base on Monday night.

He said: “This has been a real blow to us at a time when our finances are stretched due to Covid. We have been closed but were due to re-open in the next couple of weeks.

“The damage to our fencing is a big problem as we are now left in a vulnerable position when it comes to security.

“And the minibus was purchased through fundraising around two years ago to take our cadets to various events and activities around the UK.

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“Even though we are insured this will still have a massive impact on the experience we offer to the young people of Sheffield.

Parts of their security fence were completely ripped out of the ground.Parts of their security fence were completely ripped out of the ground.
Parts of their security fence were completely ripped out of the ground.

“For someone to target a charity such as ours is unbelievable and is upsetting for all our volunteers who work tirelessly to develop young people through activities and the traditions of the Royal Navy."

Sheffield’s current Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Downing, chose the Sea Cadets as one of the city charities he was supporting during his mayoral year.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We received a report that a vehicle had been stolen at around 23.20pm last night.

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“It is reported that unknown offenders gained access to a premises on Rutland Road where the vehicle was kept and then left the premises, causing damage to the gates.

“An investigation has been launched – the vehicle has since been located and enquiries are continuing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 214131020.

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