Disabled riding school 'devastated' over gang raid

Staff at a riding school for disabled people said they are devastated after thieves stole a quad bike and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The burglary happened in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Nuneaton and North Warwickshire Equestrian Centre in Galley Common.

The manager of the riding school said a group of youths, who were captured on CCTV, raided the lock-up, took a specialist quad bike and destroyed fencing as they fled.

Warwickshire Police said extensive enquiries had been made but no "evidential opportunities" had been found.

The school's manager said they were "absolutely disgusted" by the thieves behaviour and the burglary had made the young people and adults who visit the centre "very anxious".

They added that the piece of equipment that had been taken "was not just a basic quad" and would cost about £10k to replace.

The riding school, which has supported children and adults with disabilities for 46 years, is a registered charity.

"The majority of the people who work here are volunteers, and they give up their time," the manager added.

"To steal from a charity is absolutely devastating."

The manager called for the police to "patrol more".

The force said the investigation had been paused but would be "promptly reopened" if new information came to light.

A GoFundMe page had been set up to help pay for the repairs, but the manager said it had attracted criticism in the comments.

"People say we are begging and shouldn't be asking for money because that's what insurance is for, but people don't understand how charities work.

"We do rely on the goodwill of our local community and the people that we serve.

"We are asking for generous donations, and that's what charities are dependent on to deliver a really valuable service."

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