Burglars have stolen tools being used by a Teesside charity to renovate flats for homeless young people
Burglars have stolen tools being used by a Teesside charity to renovate flats for homeless young people.
Redcar’s Coatham House project, which has arranged temporary accommodation for hundreds of homeless young people since 1991, has bought an end-terrace, two bedroomed house in central Redcar for conversion into two flats.
The flats would be used by young people who are moving on from direct Coatham House help, but need somewhere to live independently.
The house was bought for £60,000 in December and needs about £40,000 spent renovating it.
But that work has now suffered a massive setback with the theft of the tools, thought to be worth about £3,000.
Coatham House manager Bridget Collins said the “gut-wrenching” theft was discovered yesterday morning.
And she says not only will the conversion work be delayed until replacement gear is sourced, but young people helping with the work as part of their NVQs in building construction now face massive disruption of their studies.
Drills, grinders, trowels, chisel sets, plumbing fixtures and even a small cement mixer were among the items taken.
Bridget said: “We have a list of about £3,000 worth of gear that’s gone. All the tools were our maintenance manager Terry Lonsdale’s.
“It’s soul destroying.
“These tools cost a lot of money yet someone just walks in and helps themselves.
“And because we’re a charitable project, we just don’t have the resources to quickly replace them.”
Bridget added: “We’d appeal for people to be on the lookout if they’re offered cheap tools.
“And if anyone has any spare tools they could donate, they would be gratefully accepted.”
Last year, Coatham House helped 21 young people in supported housing and had six in permanent flats.
The charity has a staff team of 21, manages a shop/café, employs apprentices and undertakes accredited training with all residents - but to keep it running costs £500,000 a year.
Anyone with information on the tool theft is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101.
And if anyone can donate any tools, call the charity on 07974 442235 or 01642 486844.
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