The van was stolen from Fair Havens Hospice’s car park in Priory Crescent on Saturday 24th October at 11.33pm and was captured on CCTV.

Havens Hospices’ vans play an important part in the day-to-day running of the hospices and assist the charity in raising vital funds which helps them to provide all its care free of charge to adults and young people across Essex living with complex or incurable conditions.

The branded van which is driven by staff and volunteers takes vital supplies and equipment like PPE between their two hospices.

Steve McClure, Head of Facilities at Havens Hospices who is in charge of the charity’s buildings and vehicles says: “We are shocked and saddened that thieves would target the charity in this way, stealing a van which bears our charity’s logo – especially during a time where charities are facing difficulties raising income in light of the current pandemic. This will have a direct impact on our operations.

“The incident has been reported to the police and a claim is now going through our insurance company to replace the van but there will still be associated costs that the charity will have to pay out for like insurance claim excess fees, future insurance renewal premiums and new signage on the replacement van.”

“If anyone has any information relating to the stolen vehicle which is a Ford Transit Van with the registration number EF60 ADZ, please contact the police on their non-emergency number by calling 101.”

As a registered charity – not part of the NHS – who receives limited government funding, Havens Hospices relies heavily on the generosity of the public because all its care is free of charge. To find out more information on how to support the charity visit: www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us.

Published on 28th October 2020