Yobs in raid on club for the elderly

Yobs broke in to a club house for the elderly and stole items that would have been sold to raise cash for a holiday.

The stereo system and vacuum cleaner were taken from Darby End Senior Citizens Club in Worcester Road, Netherton, Dudley. And the thieves left a trail of damage behind.

The stolen items had been donated for a nearly new sale to generate spending money for a holiday to Weston Super-Mare.

The thieves even tore open some birthday cards that had been left for one of the group members to see if there was any cash inside.

Christine Nicholls had not attended the weekly gathering on Monday afternoon so her pals had left the cards on the chair she usually sits in.

Club secretary Keith Pritchard said: "It is really heartbreaking. They must have known that this is a senior citizens' group and that we are based here.

"How low can you be to do this and pilfer from old people?"

The group has been based at the Dudley Council-owned hut since it was formed 50 years ago.

Mr Pritchard said up to £150 could have been raised by selling the stereo and vacuum cleaner.

"They would have been the most expensive items, so we'll struggle to make that much now," he added.

Mr Pritchard said the break-in must have happened between about 1pm Wednesday and 11am on Friday.

Anyone with information should call West Midlands Police on 0345 1135000.