More than £150 in cash and essential items, including hand sanitiser, were stolen from a homeless charity in Wisbech last night (March 26).

Wisbech Standard: Jeffery Burton has been charged with multiple thefts and burglaries in Wisbech, including at 50 Backpacks on Bridge Street. Picture: GOOGLE MAPSJeffery Burton has been charged with multiple thefts and burglaries in Wisbech, including at 50 Backpacks on Bridge Street. Picture: GOOGLE MAPS (Image: Archant)

It is believed around £1,500 worth of damage was caused at 50 Backpacks’ headquarters at the town’s Vision Center, which helps deliver items ranging from food, clothing and toiletries to homeless and less fortunate people.

The charity said: “Last night our Vision Center was broken into causing thousands of pounds of damage to steal cash donations and essential items which was to support the local community.

“We will not be able to help vulnerable homeless people today (Friday) because it is now a crime scene.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said: “We are investigating reports of a burglary at 50 Backpacks on Bridge Street, Wisbech which took place between 9pm yesterday (26 March) and 7.30am this morning (27 March).

“It is believed more than £150 in cash and various items have been stolen.

“An investigation has been launched and anyone with any information is urged to call 101 or report online at https://www.cambs.police.uk/report quoting crime reference number 35/21863/20.”

Wisbech business C Carters Estate Agents, who share the same premises as 50 Backpacks, said nothing was stolen from their offices, while police officers were called to Dunelm Mill shop on Cromwell Road after an alarm went off.

Writing on their Facebook page, Policing Fenland said: “The premises were found all secure, however officers found a male at the rear of the premises looking for somewhere to sleep.

“A check was carried out on the male and he was found to be wanted on a recall to prison. One in custody and heading back to HMP.”