Thieves steal £15,000 minibus from Air Cadets weeks after it was bought

After spending four years raising £15,000 to buy the much-needed bus, the Kingswinford Air Cadets were devastated to discover that it had been stolen from their headquarters.

Without the bus the Squadron may now have to cancel activities until more funds are raised for another vehicle, including taking part in parades and expeditions.

The Kingswinford 2488 Squadron Air Training Corps squadron had begun gathering savings for a replacement after their old minibus failed its MOT.

Over the years they carried out various fundraisers, and on reaching £15,000 they were delighted that had just enough to take delivery of their new 17 seater Ford Transit.

Even though it was parked in their secure compound overnight, by cutting locks the ruthless thieves were able to drive the vehicle away.

"The cadets are gutted," said supporters committee chairman, Mark Manning. "To have our new minibus stolen is extremely upsetting and it is made worse when you consider the hard work and length of time spent fundraising by the Squadron cadets and the leadership team.

"Following the demise of our old minibus it was still a big decision to spend such a large sum of money on this newer vehicle, but to ensure the Squadron can support the many activities which it encourages the cadets to participate in and in particular to enable the Squadron band to get to and lead Remembrance Day parades, open fetes and carnivals having a minibus is an absolute necessity.

"We now have to replace the vehicle, improve security and replace items which were inside the minibus. If any individual or business can support us I would welcome a telephone call or an email."

The minibus was stolen between 10.30pm on Thursday, July 28 and 6am on Friday, July 29. The police have been informed and the Squadron are appealing for information from residents if they saw any activity around their HQ behind the Standhills Road Medical Centre, Kingswinford, between those times.

Although the Air Training Corps is supported by the RAF, the Kingswinford 2488 Squadron relies on doing a lot of its own fundraising.

This is to ensure both current and future cadets can take part in activities including vocational qualifications, DofE, camps, visiting MOD bases, flying opportunities, expeditions, kayaking, as well as have the chance to represent their squadron or region at sporting competitions.

To contact Mark either email mark.manning@axiom.gb.com or call on 01384 273362 or 07970 530036.

The bus' registration plate is ND12 ZDV.