Air cadets grounded after bus theft
A group of air cadets are appealing for help after their minibus was stolen.
The 888 (Oldbury) Air Training Corps (ATC), which is based on Vicarage Road, Oldbury, are devastated by the theft. The loss of the minibus will now make it difficult for members to get to activities.
Thieves took the minibus, which was bought from the Army in 2015, at about 11.30pm last Thursday.
Three men attempted to enter the compound through the main gate between 10.20pm and 10.40pm. After they failed they returned at 11.10pm, breaking in through a fence using tools. They damaged security lights and then used the tools to break the padlock and lock of the gate.
They left at about 11.50pm turning right towards Oldbury and Smethwick. West Midlands Police confirmed it is investigating.
Pilot Officer Colin Shaw, officer-in-charge of 888 ATC, said: "It is unimaginable to think that this group of people could be callous enough to steal from a youth organisation. The minibus was a lifeline for us and is the only way we can transport our 80 cadets to the many activities we do on the weekend. Without it, we will very likely have to cancel a number of events.
The cadets worked so hard to raise the funds to buy the bus."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "I can confirm that we are investigating the theft of a minibus from Vicarage Road, Oldbury.
"Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."
