Cruel thieves have targeted a charity's minibus for the second time within a week - causing vital transport services for the elderly and disabled to be cancelled.
First, the raiders stole the spare wheel, which was taken from the vehicle, which was kept in a car park in Alton Road, Clacton.
Then, just seven days later, the covers were removed from the back lights of the bus, owned by Tendring Community Transport.
Chief executive Theresa Coyne said she was both angry and dismayed by the theft.
"It is really unbelievable - the covers were unscrewed from the vehicle, although the bulbs and everything else were left intact," she said.
Mrs Coyne said all the charity's vehicles were on the road virtually every day, providing transport for people who were otherwise unable to get out and about. There was no spare capacity for other buses to take over routes.
The targeted vehicle was off the road for two days and some services had to be cancelled as a result.
"The trouble is that it is the most vulnerable members of the community who suffer because of this theft," she added.
She asked that anyone who has information should contact officers on 01255 221312.
Published Tuesday October 15, 2002
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