A WEST Devon charity which provides a vital service to elderly and disabled people was targeted by thieves last weekend.
Tools to the value of around £1,000 were taken, plus damage to the West Devon Handyperson van itself, caused when the vehicle, parked at the borough council offices in Tavistock, was broken into.
The charity?s Martin Miller said: ?They broke the driver?s window and climbed into the back to where the tools were nicely boxed up. They helped themselves and took anything of value.
?At the moment I?m having to use my own tools, until I can get replacements.?
A wide variety of items were stolen, including a jigsaw, drills, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, smoke alarms, light bulbs, security locks and a set of step-ladders.
The Handyperson scheme, part of the Care and Repair organisation, provides an affordable property maintenance service for people over the age of 60 and the disabled.
Those on benefits only pay for materials required for jobs ? a reduced labour fee is charged to other people using the service.
Police in Tavistock are appealing for witnesses to the crime.
Anyone who saw anything or who has been offered tools in suspicious circumstances should call 08705 777444, quoting crime reference JT.04.158.