Mindless vandals have struck at the heart of an Angus charity which provides a valuable lifeline for carers.
Staff at the Angus Carers Centre in Arbroath are counting the cost after 13 windows at their Grant Road premises were smashed during a weekend of unrest in the town.
Damage estimated at £3,000 was caused after the windows, which overlook the Smithy Croft car park, were damaged between 5pm on Friday and 9am on Monday.
A window at the Tayside Council On Alcohol’s premises at the Wishart Centre in Catherine Street was also smashed at the same time.
Alison Myles, chief officer for the Angus Carers Centre, said valuable staff time which could be spent with the 1,500 registered carers is now being used dealing with the aftermath.
The windows targeted were in the respite meeting room used by young carers, with the charity working with carers aged from eight to 90.
She said: “Those responsible have caused damage to a building there to support young people in a caring role.”
Run as an independent charity and limited company, the centre has made a number of moves to larger premises to keep up with demand.
Alison continued: “This is soul-destroying.
“One in 10 young people in the area is a carer with extra responsibility for somebody in their family.
“We also have a growing, elderly population where a husband or wife is a carer.
“We have not had to cancel any of the groups which meet at the centre.
“But this has impacted on us as time taken to deal with claims and negotiating with our landlord is taking us away from dealing with front line services.”
Angus Councillor Lois Speed, Independent member for Arbroath East and Lunan, condemned those responsible.
She said: “I’m terribly saddened by this recent spate of vandalism.
“These dreadful acts cause so much heartache, fear and upset within our communities.
“Those directly affected can often be left physically, emotionally and financially challenged for sometime.
“I urge residents to be vigilant, show support and report any information or concerns to the police.”
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they investigate a number of incidents.
A black Vauxhall Mokka parked in James Street had a window smashed between 8pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday and a silver Renault Scenic in Grant Road had a window smashed between 8 and 9.20pm on Saturday.
They may all be linked and the police are considering this as a line of enquiry.
They are also stepping up patrols in the Warddykes Road area following a spate of thefts last weekend.
If you have any information that could assist investigations, call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
