THIEVES have targeted Forest Community Centre “once again” according to staff, stealing lead from the centre’s roof.

And the Herald understands it is even impacting neighbouring residents who have told staff at the centre they can’t use their gardens and want to move.

Estimated as being as young as ten years old by staff, the children sit on the roof and throw tiles, according to deputy manager Michael Rutland. He added they’ve also been seen on the roof with “bikes and skateboards”.

The most recent incident is believed to have taken place during the weekend of September 21 and 22, resulting in water leaks and “a lot” of the groups being cancelled. These repairs have cost the centre £1,000, as well as lost revenue.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed they are investigating a report of theft of lead from the roof and said: “The incident is believed to have occurred overnight between 11pm on September 21 and 9am on September 22. It was reported to police online on September 24.”

A wide range of activities take place at the centre, with nearly 40 user groups meeting on a regular basis, as well as one-off activities organised to raise funds.

Whitehill & Bordon Community Association trustee Karla Reale said: “The Forest Community Centre is an important facility for the residents of Whitehill & Bordon and it is sad to see people targeting it and causing damage when we are working so hard to raise funds to keep it open.”

She added this is something which is “affecting the whole community” and has a “knock-on effect to centre users”.

Manager Lindsay Kelly told the Herald thieves had taken lead before, which was replaced, and now the replacement lead has been taken. She said: “We don’t know what the answer is.

“It’s really soul destroying when you have this bill and you’ve worked really hard to raise the money.

“It’s wiped out in a blink.”

Karla added she had been working with East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) community safety officer and a meeting was held about the problem with other professionals.

A council spokesman said the safety team organises meetings every two months with other local organisations where they discuss a “wide range of community issues, including anti-social behaviour”. They are “made aware of ongoing issues and discuss possible solutions”.

*Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44190341786. To find out more about the community centre call 01420 488978 or email [email protected] .