Vandals smash windows on Fawley Community minibus, striking blow to charity Christmas present deliveries

A CHARITY drive to deliver Christmas presents to disadvantaged families across the Waterside was hit by vandals who wrecked a special minibus.

Three offenders, brandishing what appeared to be a pole, were captured on CCTV as they attacked the community vehicle owned by Fawley Parish Council, smashing windows and denting bodywork before climbing inside.

The white Peugeot Boxer was targeted at the rear of the council’s Gang Warily centre in Newlands Road around 12.15am on Saturday, leaving staff “shocked and disgusted”.

The Handy Trust is among a number of local groups which regularly use it, and this week it had been due to continue carrying gifts to those facing financial hardship, as part of the Waterside Christmas Appeal.

But trust manager Sofia Richardson told the A&T on Monday that this would be delayed so alternative transport arrangements could be made.

“It’s so sad what has happened,” she said.

“Without the minibus, this means staff using their own cars and more trips needing to take place, delaying families receiving their gifts and increasing the costs on the project to cover mileage, or staff offering to do this out of their own pocket.”

As well as the present deliveries, the Handy Trust uses the vehicle for its project visiting Waterside areas where youngsters gather, offering food and drink.

It also tackles issues including anti-social behaviour and substance abuse.

Over the last two Fridays, the trust had Santa travelling on the bus handing out selection packs to local children.

Ms Richardson said a family had already enquired about setting up an online fundraising page to support repairs.

She added: "Any type of vandalism is so sad to see and a horrible thing to happen in your local community, but it is more frustrating when the vandalism is on property or assets that directly benefit the community where these people live – including young people – such as youth clubs, community halls, Scout and Guide huts and this community minibus."

Deputy parish clerk Sue Markides told the A&T the offenders would have had to climb over a fence to gain access to the vehicle.

Age Concern is among the many other groups that use it, transporting elderly residents to Sunday lunches once a month.

It is also used by schools, including Blackfield Manor and Cadland, to take pupils to activities including swimming lessons.

Mrs Markides said vandals previously smashed one of the minibus windows in July 2020 but Saturday’s incident was “far, far worse”.

“It’s absolutely awful,” she said. “All the staff here are shocked and disgusted that someone would actually do this to a community vehicle – it is, in essence, for the community.

“One window costs £1,000 to repair, so goodness knows how much this will be. We haven’t assessed the extent of the damage inside the bus yet.

“We don’t know how long the bus will be out of action for, but people won’t be able to use it for the next few weeks, I’m sure.”

The council cordoned off the bus amid hopes that forensics officers will be able to collect evidence to identify the perpetrators.

Mrs Markides added its windows would have to be taped up to prevent rainwater getting inside.

Police are urging people to come forward if they saw any suspicious activity around the time the attack took place or have CCTV footage.

Contact the Hampshire force on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210506185, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.