An East Cambridgeshire homelessness charity has been burgled for the second time in less than six months. 

Thieves broke into the workshop of Emmaus Cambridge, at Landbeach, on February 27.

They stole 17 pieces of equipment and caused extensive damage to a window, internal door and access gate. 

The internal door was an enhancement to the site's previous security arrangements alongside a security camera that captured footage of the break-in.

The images are currently with the police for identification.Ely Standard: Thieves caused extensive damage to a window, internal door and access gate. Thieves caused extensive damage to a window, internal door and access gate.  (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

The burglary mirrors similar criminal damage caused to the site during a robbery that occurred in late August last year.

Locals rallied around and supported the charity with donations while Cambridgeshire Building Society generously donated £6000 to recover the stolen tools and repair the damage to the building. 

This most recent break-in occurred just as the charity had been able to re-purchase all the lost items and increase security around the warehouse.

Ely Standard: John Baker, maintenance manager in front of the newly installed laminated glass, following the Charity’s second break in.John Baker, maintenance manager in front of the newly installed laminated glass, following the Charity’s second break in. (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

Donna Talbot, CEO at Emmaus Cambridge said: “Receiving a call from the community and hearing this news was heart-wrenching.

"We are a small charity with a small staff team, and it has taken us weeks to find, order, and wait for the delivery of the replacement items, just as we thought the end was in sight, we are back to square one.”

“The companions, the people who we support who live at Emmaus Cambridge, and staff within the maintenance team have an extensive list of projects and activities in both our accommodation and social enterprise."

She added: "We are working closely with the individuals directly impacted and trying to replace the items as quickly as we can alongside introducing further safety measures to try and prevent further thefts.”

Emmaus Cambridge supports people who have experienced homelessness with a home, work opportunities, tailored therapeutic support, and training all in a community setting in Landbeach.

The charity has a large second-hand shop, where people supported by Emmaus, known as companions, often sell upcycled items made in the workshop.

The workshop is a hub for companions learning woodcraft and carpentry skills and is also where the maintenance team is based.