STAFF at Hope Nature Centre in Trowbridge have been left devastated after they fell victim to another burglary where the culprits made off with their safe.

The incident happened last Monday at Southwick Country Park after thieves smashed their way into the building. Police are currently examining CCTV but believe the duo climbed over a fence to gain access before walking away with the safe containing a substantial amount of cash.

Manager Tom James, who has been at the charity for five years, said he couldn’t believe his luck when he found out the news.

“The duo drove half way up the path and then parked in the trees so you can just about see them and then they walked the rest of the way up,” he said.

“We have some really good pictures of them but you can only see everything but their faces.

“They broken in and set the alarm off and they must have been in only a minute and a half before they took the safe away with them

“I just find it hard to believe because the work we do is probably one of the best projects in the West Country. It is unique and helps vulnerable adults who are not in the funding chain from the council or government. Without the support of our customers, grants and donations we received we wouldn’t be where we are.”

It is believed the safe contained a day’s takings and around £250 for a daily float as well as a change tin.

Hope Nature Centre was set up in 2000 to help provide work placements for young adults with learning difficulties.

Despite the upset the theft caused, Mr James wants to show that the centre is still open and providing support to families and children across Wiltshire.

“When we lost the tortoises we had so many people offer to help us out and it was just incredible,” he said.

“No one could have guessed or imagined how this would take off and it is a great facility for Trowbridge to have.

“At the moment we are fundraising for outdoor play equipment because we have a play area but what we have discovered is that we need to have one area specifically where disabled children can play which is wheelchair friendly. It is something different to what is already out there.”

Since the incident, police have told the centre that they were able to locate the safe in Standerwick near Frome but the contents were nowhere to be found.