THIEVES have deprived a community of £5,000 of IT equipment.
Wolverham Community Centre was targeted by thieves two weeks ago.
They took two digital cameras, four laptops, two computer base units, a new server and a projector.
Centre co-ordinator Christine Brown said: “The thefts have affected the courses as we have had to stagger them and cancel some as we cannot fit everyone in.
“We have had to have gates installed in front of the rooms for security.
“They took all the new equipment that had recently been purchased through a fair share grant to upgrade the centre.
“We are waiting on the insurance now to replace the lost equipment.
“Ten years ago the centres in Wolverham, Flatt lane, Westminster, and Little Sutton, in the deprived areas of Ellesmere Port and Little Sutton, opened their doors to drop-in computer centres open to all residents, giving the community the opportunity and support to learn.
“So to those who decided to rob the centre, you robbed from your own community as the equipment belongs to and is for the community and not the council.”
The centre hosts 70 residents per week with nine volunteers.
Stanney community beat manager Matt Hull said: “The incident has been closed off now.
“There was one witness who saw a man aged about 19 years old acting suspiciously in the area.
“We have offered crime prevention advice and provided smart water so they can mark equipment.”
