A CHARITY fell victim to "mindless" thieves who stole from them while disabled clients were putting on a Christmas pantomime.
The Rock Foundation, which provides opportunities for people with physical and mental disabilities, held its Christmas pantomime on Wednesday evening.
However, while they were putting on the performance, three men stole the banner from outside their base on Elliston Street – which was originally donated by Asda but will cost them in excess of £140 to replace.
It was found at the end of Wellington Street – barely 100 metres away – but the corners were ripped so it is no longer usable.
Rock Foundation founder Pam Hodge said: "It is a real shame that some people had to ruin what was a wonderful evening for everyone who attended, and the most frustrating thing was that it was totally mindless. There was nothing to gain from taking that banner.
"We are a well-known charity and it is the people who we help that will foot the bill for this mindless crime, as the money it will cost to replace the banner would be better spent on them."
The charity reported the crime to Humberside Police and even has CCTV footage of the three criminals who took the banner.
They have not yet been visited by an officer, but a police spokesman said they do intend to investigate, and added: "The sign was pulled from the metal bars and was found, damaged, at the end of the road.
"An officer will be contacting the charity and visiting to view the CCTV footage of the incident."
However, Mrs Hodge believes contact should have been made before now.
She said: "We were just given a crime reference number and it seemed like that was it for the police. We have CCTV footage but no one has even come to see it."
The Rock Foundation has this month donated more than 2,000 gifts to families in need from the local area via nearby organisations such as the YMCA and Harbour Place.
Mrs Hodge added: "It is frustrating because we have done so much for the area this Christmas and the people who did this probably know someone we have helped – or have even been helped themselves by our gifts.
"We have done so much this year which is why it is so upsetting."
If you have any information about the crime, contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting reference number 1948356.
Comment and see the CCTV footage at www.this isgrimsby.co.uk.
