Heartless thieves have stolen a charity van packed with food intended for vulnerable families in Sheppey, causing shock and outrage in the community.
The Sheppey Support Bus, a project operated by the Oasis Hub Isle of Sheppey, was taken from the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in Sheerness during the early hours of Thursday, January 2.
Community Devastation
The stolen van was fully loaded with food and scheduled for delivery. Volunteer Brian Spoor, 75, who also serves on Sheerness Town Council, expressed his anger and disappointment:
“People won’t be getting their food this week. The van was full and ready to be taken out. I can’t believe some a+++-hole has done this.”
The project, which originally used a converted double-decker bus, had switched to using a Mercedes Sprinter van due to driver shortages. The theft now leaves the charity unable to operate.
Charity Suspends Services
Phil Greig, who leads the project, shared the devastating news with helpers and those expecting deliveries. In a social media post, he announced the suspension of the project:
“This (theft) means we will not be able to run the project for the foreseeable future as we are still without a driver for the double-decker. Very sadly, we are suspending the project for the whole of January.”
The charity had been preparing to expand its service to Eastchurch, Leysdown, Minster, Rushenden, and Sheerness starting next week but is now forced to cancel plans.
Community Outrage
The theft has drawn widespread condemnation.
- Mary Culver from Leysdown called it “absolutely disgusting behavior.”
- Cindy Rhodes said: “What vile human could do such a thing? I hope it gets returned.”
Oliver Edwards, co-chair of Sheerness Town Team, revealed that he and his partner Charlotte Cook saw the van being driven away at 2am but assumed it was being moved.
Police Investigation
Kent Police have been contacted for a comment. Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference 02-0430.
A Plea for Hope
Despite the setback, Mr. Greig is holding on to optimism, offering tea and cake to visitors at Leysdown next Tuesday between 9.30am and 11am. He said:
“I am very sorry for the news. Here’s hoping for a better 2025.”
The community is rallying to support the charity in the hope of recovering the van and resuming services for those in need.
