Air ambulance in urgent appeal as thieves target superstore

Air ambulance staff are appealing for urgent help after a charity superstore in Alfreton was hit by thieves for the third time in a little over two weeks.

Thieves left a trail of devastation in gaining access to Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance’s (DLRAA) The Hanger superstore on two occasions while the third attack was an attempted break-in.

The total cost to the charity is in excess of £10,000 – the equivalent to six lifesaving missions in Derbyshire – after thieves stole money, new washing machines and fridges, cards and ladies accessories. In addition replacement doors, locks and glass have also been required.

And now the charity is appealing for help and donations to offset the impact of the attacks and, in doing so, ensure funds raised and donations given continue to benefit the lifesaving service which is well on its way to completing 39,000 missions.

Distraught staff were left to clean-up following the first break-in at the shop on Friday 13 September and just over two weeks later they were forced once again to repair the damage after an attack on Sunday 29 September.

Commenting on the shop’s plight, Deputy CEO of The Air Ambulance Service Emma Peake said: “Our hard-working staff and volunteers have been devastated by these attacks. For thieves to target a charity that raises vital funds to help save lives is despicable. For this to happen twice in two weeks has been absolutely heart-breaking.

“The local air ambulance exists to provide lifesaving care to those in greatest need but, instead of money going towards the vital service, we now need to spend thousands of pounds on putting additional security in place to ensure our building is secure and staff and volunteers feel safe and supported.

“We need a new alarm and CCTV installed, and we’d like to appeal to any local businesses to see if they can visit the site and advise or support in any way.”

To help with the appeal and to find out more about supporting the local air ambulance, go to theairambulanceservice.org.uk call 03003 045 999.