MEAN thieves have been branded "heartless" after targeting a Bradford charity.

Families were left without beds and electrical equipment after raiders smashed windows and stole fuel from vans used by the Bradford charity, CHAS @ St Vincent's, to transport items to those in need.

Intruders forced their way into the premises of of the Catholic housing aid society dedicated to helping the poor and disadvantaged, in Rees Way, Wapping, over the Easter weekend.

Warehouse manager Gordon Wilkinson said the intruders had cut off bolts to force their way through 12-foot-high steel railings and into the secure car park.

They then smashed the passenger windows of the charity's two vans, which it uses to pick up and deliver items to those in need.

Mr Wilkinson said: "I think they were looking to steal something from the vans, but we don't keep any valuables in them. They took fuel from the tank of one of the vans."

The break in was discovered on Monday morning but could have occurred at any time during the extended Easter weekend.

Mr Wilkinson said the vans had since been repaired, but they had been out of use for a full day and they had to cancel deliveries.

He said: "It had a knock on effect on our clients, who are desperate for beds, washing machines and cookers. Some people were left without a bed to sleep in because of this.

"It's not just a case of breaking glass. It was a severe blow to our services and the people we want to help.

"I am very passionate about what I do, I like to go the extra mile to help people.

"These people don't have a conscience. It's obvious we are a charity, we have signs all over the property. But they had a total disregard for the service we provide. Ten families missed out on items we were meant to be delivering."

He said the insurance excess and the loss of fuel would cost the charity hundreds of pounds.

And Mr Wilkinson said it was not the first time the charity had been attacked.

"Previously we have had vehicles stolen, and on one occasion raiders took the doors off a van."

The charity has around 20 staff and up to 30 volunteers and has a warehouse, shop and advice rooms at its premises, as well as another shop in Tong Street, Dudley Hill.

West Yorkshire Police is urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting crime reference 13160134287, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

A spokesman said: "Crimes against charities are particularly heartless."

Bowling and Barkerend Labour councillor, Hassan Khan, said the intruders were "devils."

Coun Khan said: "It is a shame for the community that this type of thing is happening to someone doing charity work. They are mean and despicable."