STAFF at a charity set up to help vulnerable people today hit out at thieves who raided their premises.

Bikes and bike parts were stolen and hundreds of pounds of damage caused when burglars targeted the premises of Bike Stop Darlington on Skinnergate over the weekend.

The organisation, an extension of homeless charity First Stop Darlington, acts as a hub for cycling in the local area.

Launched in 2012, it also offers opportunities for the homeless, youth offenders and other groups by encouraging them to take up training and learn new skills.

Retail manager Sandra Bell said the burglary felt like a personal attack but would not deter staff and volunteers from their valuable work.

She said: “It is horrible. It is going to have a cost impact, which is not something we need and we are scared they may come back.

"We are trying to do good work and give back to the community. Everybody here is angry this has happened but it has made us pull together.

"They have not deterred us from the good work we do here. We will repair and get on with the job in hand.

“A lot of vulnerable people use our services, including youth offenders, and we try not to be judgemental. We just want to appeal to the thieves to return the stuff. This does not feel nice and if anyone saw anything or knows anything, we would like to know.

"They will have caused quite a bit of noise and they will have been there for a while so we think someone may have heard or seen them breaking in.

“We would like to reassure people that no bikes belonging to customers were taken in the burglary.”

Anyone with information about the burglary, which is believed to have happened between 6pm on Sunday May 19 and 8.30am today, should contact Darlington Police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bike Stop Darlington offers bike maintenance, sales, repair and restoration. To donate to the organisation or become involved, visit the premises on Skinnergate or call 01325 788857.