Staff at a hospice in Yorkshire have said that they are 'shocked and saddened' after two vans were stolen from their car park by thieves.
St Leonard's Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York provides specialist palliative care and support for people in Yorkshire with life-limiting illnesses - but they have been left 'devastated' after criminals targeted them twice within the space of a month.
The first theft happened shortly before midnight on Monday, June 10, when a Ford Transit van with the registration plate YE62 OOC was taken from the hospice.
Just three-and-a-half weeks later, thieves struck again when they took yet another vehicle from the car park late at night on Wednesday, July 3.
This time, two men dressed in black hotwired a larger box van the van in the car park before making off with the vehicle.
Bearing the registration plate YB12 OZS, it was later spotted travelling in the direction of Leeds along the A64.
Both vans were fundamental in allowing hospice staff to collect donated items and then sell them in their charity shops. They were also used to pass on donated items to customers.
However, the charity has had to temporarily suspend donations at its base in Acomb, as staff are no longer able to transport enough stock between its shops.
"This will have a direct impact on raising funds for patient care," says a statement on the hospice website.
Supporters are still being urged to drop off donations directly to St Leonard's Hospice charity shops if possible.
If anyone has information relating to either theft, you can contact police on the non-emergency number, 101.
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