CROOKS stole a nine-seater mini bus from a domestic abuse charity - which it says is the “final straw” after such a tough year for the team.

Bosses at Changing Pathways, who are based in the Parklands Centre at Felmores End, Basildon, say the theft has come as yet another blow after the hit of Covid-19. It will see them unnecessarily pay out money they don’t have, if it’s not found.

Having had their Ford Tourneo taken late Sunday evening, the charity has since had to rely on staff to fill its role - which is transporting children suffering from domestic abuse and women who are fleeing.

A charity spokesman, who wished to remain anonymous, says she was shocked to discover that the bus had gone, having been used by the team since 2008.

She said: “I’ve been here for 28 years and know how essential our mini bus is, helping take families from place to place.

“It’s heartbreaking that we’ve been targeted, and is another blow on top of Covid too. I was in complete shock when I found out.

“We will just end up having to fork out money we don’t have to replace it.

“It really is vital, so this has finished us off so to speak and really is the final straw. We’re now having to monitor everything, doing everything we can to keep things safe, and are having to rely on staff to get people around as well as taxi firms if we need to.”

“We think it could have been stolen any time between 9.30pm to 11.30pm from the Lee Chapel North area of Basildon. Our bus is silver and has the number plate EK58 DMU.

“Hundreds of people have used it since it’s been in action, and getting this back will mean we can carry on helping the people we do.”

Call Essex Police on 101.