An environmental charity in Cheltenham, Vision 21, faced a setback when its furniture reuse shop and company van were broken into in separate incidents, just days before a crucial fundraising campaign. The break-ins resulted in the theft of valuable items, including a sewing machine, tools, and two bicycles from the charity’s shop Reclaim, based in Cheltenham’s Lansdown Industrial Estate.
Vision 21, a Cheltenham-based sustainability charity, is known for operating Reclaim, a recycled furniture shop, and conducting repair sessions and sustainability workshops at Repair cafes across the county. The stolen tools were instrumental in delivering these essential community-led initiatives.
The timing of the break-ins is particularly unfortunate as Vision 21 is currently participating in the Big Give Green Match Fund, where all donations made until Tuesday 29th April will be matched. The charity is reaching out for support in the form of tool and sewing machine donations to replace the stolen items. They are also urging locals to visit Reclaim for second-hand furniture donations or purchases, as a sign of solidarity in the face of this setback.
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Having expressed his dismay, Vision 21’s CEO, James Cooke, stated, “This is a real blow to our small team and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote a more sustainable Cheltenham. But we’re determined to keep going, and we’re asking the community to stand with us.”
In response to the break-ins, the police are actively investigating the incidents and have called for the public to come forward with any information that might aid in the investigation.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire police commented, “Police are investigating a theft from a motor vehicle and a burglary at Lansdown Industrial Estate in Cheltenham. The theft from the motor vehicle occurred between 5 pm on Friday 4 April and 9.30 am on Saturday 5 April. Unknown offenders forced entry into the van, stealing electrical items and tools worth several hundred pounds.”
“The burglary is believed to have occurred between 5 pm on Monday 14 April and 9 am on Tuesday 15 April. Offenders forced entry into the building, searching it, and stealing a charity tin. Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing, and anyone with relevant information or footage is urged to complete the online form, quoting incident 146 of 5 April for the theft from the motor vehicle or incident 88 of 15 April for the burglary.”
For those looking to contribute to Vision 21’s campaign or donate items, more information can be found at www.vision21.org.uk regarding Reclaim and the charity’s mission.