A CHARITY is reeling after thieves put their minibus out of action, leaving churchgoers stranded.

Letchworth Salvation Army discovered on Sunday that the catalytic convertor for their community minibus had been stolen while the vehicle was parked in the car park at Norton Way North in Letchworth GC.

It is believed to be have been taken some time between 5pm on Monday, May 9, and 5pm on Sunday.

Barrie Sampson, captain of the Letchworth Salvation Army, said: “It’s a community service and half of our ladies who use the minibus are going to be unable to get to their church service this week as there’s a particular run that we do.

“Stealing from a charity, that’s the lowest of the low. When it gets to the point where people are stealing from those that are helping others something is not right.”

This is the second time the Christian organisation has fallen foul of crime this year after money from their Salvation Army shop was stolen from the till in January.

Police said enquiries into the latest incident are ongoing and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

If you have information call the police on 0845 33 00 222 and quote crime reference number G2/11/1027.