Vandals Attack Charity Vehicle

A Dorset charity is reeling after heartless vandals targeted a specially-adapted vehicle which acts as a lifeline for its disabled members.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life donated to Access Dorset was vandalised outside a Weymouth home on Sunday February 5. It is believed to have been the only vehicle targeted in the street.

More than £2,000 worth of damage was caused in the attack in Chesil View, including a smashed window and wing mirror and badly scratched door. The disability signage on the car which highlighted the charity's good work will have to be redone.

Jonathan Waddington Jones, Chief Executive of Access Dorset, said: "The car had been leant to a disabled lady to enable her and her husband to take other members on a trip to Bournemouth. They were incredibly distressed, shaken and very upset by the attack. Sadly crime against people with disabilities is all too common. Our members have been spat at, assaulted and verbally abused. This latest attack causes massive disruption and means a number of our forthcoming trips will have to be cancelled."

The car, donated for six months by the Breeze Volkswagen Van Centre in Poole, is used by Access Dorset and its affiliate organisations to transport members and promote positive messages around mobility. Around 45,000 people in Dorset have a moderate to severe disability and Access Dorset works to help them become
more independent.

Paul O'Brien, Commercial Vehicle Head of Business at the Breeze Volkswagen Van Centre, described the vandalism as: "abhorrent." He added: "As a business we are striving to support local charities which help the community and this kind of attack is devastating."

Bob Biddiss, 46, and his wife Karen, 53, volunteer for Access Dorset. The car was parked outside their home when it was vandalised. Bob, a full time carer, said: "We were devastated to find the car so badly damaged. It was clearly marked as a charity car for disabled and older people. Whoever did this acted maliciously with complete disregard for other people's suffering. Disability can affect any of us at any time - we should be helping each other not making life harder."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting crime number C:12:D:5123. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs
may apply.