Hartlepool charity cafe vandalised weeks after graffiti attack

A charity has had its glass door smashed in a suspected break-in attempt weeks after it was targeted in a graffiti attack.

Trevor Sherwood of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, which helps the homeless and those struggling with their mental health, said the team discovered the damage on Thursday at the charity’s cafe in Victoria Road, Hartlepool.

“We were just devastated and shocked,” he said.

Cleveland Police said it was investigating.

Mr Sherwood said the culprits had failed to get in because the door behind the glass was double-locked.

He said it would have taken “some force” to break the reinforced glass.

“We do so much for the community,” he said.

“But because we’re a local charity we don’t really have that much in funding or donations. All they have done is cause damage.”

He said those responsible were probably looking for cash.

He also said locals had rallied to raise £90 to fix the door and that a local contractor had already fixed it.

The vandalism comes a few weeks after graffiti was daubed outside the coffee shop where the team give away fruit and vegetables.

It said “fresh fruit for rotting vegetables”.

Mr Sherwood said: “I think sometimes not everyone agrees with supporting homeless people.”

He also said it was a “shame” but the charity would have to consider installing a shutter.