Thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen from Sudden and Brimrod Community Centre

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen when Sudden and Brimrod Community Centre, on Cheltenham Street, Rochdale, was broken into on Tuesday.

It is understood he offender(s) forced their way into the property sometime between 8:30pm on Tuesday (28 July) and 8:30am on Wednesday (29 July), by using a crowbar on the front door. Once inside they smashed the doors and made off with items including a laptop, money, keys, and a PA system.

Centre Manager Tasneen Shahzad said: “They have smashed all of the doors and just made a complete mess. They even took chocolates that we use for children’s events.

“We have cleaned up and have fixed what we can and we had an event last night so we are just trying to continue with business as usual. It is just a shame because we had an Eid event on Monday and everyone was so complimentary and nice and then to have this happen is such a shame.”

The community centre is due to hold a Summer Fair on Saturday (1 August) and Tasneen is adamant that it will go ahead as planned.

Tasneen said: “We will still go ahead with the event. We won’t let them stop us.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Between 8:30pm on 28 July 2015 and 8:30am on 29 July 2015, thieves broke into the community centre on Cheltenham Street, Rochdale.

“The intruders forced open the front doors and once inside stole a number of items and cash.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Tasneen is now asking that if anyone was in the area between the time that the incident occurred and thinks that they know something, to contact either the community centre on 01706 750286 or the police on 101.