UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM YOUTH CLUB Yarmouth Mercury - Youth club kids' theft blow

Youth club kids' theft blow

LAURA BAGSHAW

25 October 2007

MEMBERS of a Newtown youth club have vowed to fight back after thieves stole £5,000 worth of games consoles, computers and televisions.

The theft came as a major blow to the Newtown Youth Centre in Great Yarmouth which is in the process of trying to raise up to £160,000 for a move from its current base in an old shelter in Jellicoe Road to an eco-friendly modern building.

Centre manager Carl Harding said youngsters had been left “heartbroken” by the thefts.

However, he said the incident - which happened overnight last Tuesday - would not deter him from achieving the dream move to a new premises.

He said: “When I was told the news I was gutted. I arrived to a scene of devastation. I have never felt so empty inside, I just felt sick. Even cards which children had made for their parents had been stolen.”

The centre is on a site next to Yarmouth Racecourse and is an old oil container. Thieves got into the premises by smashing the padlock.

As news of the break-in filtered through to the club's young members, dozens attended last Thursday evening to give their support.

Mr Harding said: “We had to deal with children crying and that wasn't easy but we have had no support.

“We have been kicked down but we will come back stronger. We will not give in to this sort of activity.”

The club obtained a number of grants throughout the summer which allowed the club the purchase an X Box, PlayStation 2, televisions and other games.

Mr Harding said: “What we have tried to do here is to give the kids an identity and that has been stolen.”

In just a year the club has grown from eight to 106 members. It meets on Mondays and Thursdays and takes youngsters from five to 19.

Mr Harding said: “We have been able to do this in what is basically a metal container, what you would find on the back of a lorry. Councillors want to see change in the area - well, here is an opportunity to do something.

“It's the fact we can change things that drives us forward and people should realise this,” said Mr Harding.

Anyone with information about the theft can call PC Stephen Smith on 0845 4564567.