The church in charge of a caravan that serves hot food to homeless and vulnerable people is \u2018\u2018hugely disappointed\u2019\u2019 it has been damaged again.<\/p>\n
Dunedin Seventh Day Adventist Church treasurer Lew Bylsma said the group had the van parked by the Stafford St church on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We came to pick up the van to take it to the Oval about 8.30am [yesterday], only to discover the windows had been smashed and other parts damaged.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It\u2019s hugely disappointing to see this happen. All we’re doing is offering a service to people who might need it.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
This is not the first time the caravan has been targeted.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, the group was \u2018\u2018crestfallen\u2019\u2019 after someone stole the caravan\u2019s generator.<\/p>\n
They managed to raise funds for a new generator, with the help of the community.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We’ve been talking about installing a camera and better lighting,\u2019\u2019 Mr Bylsma said yesterday.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018But it\u2019s really frustrating. There\u2019s a question of whether insurance will pay out for this damage.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Mr Bylsma said they had \u2018\u2018some idea\u2019\u2019 who might be responsible.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018At the end of the day, it\u2019s unpleasant for those who use the caravan.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
It was not the only church that was attacked over the weekend.<\/p>\n
St Matthew\u2019s Anglican Church in Hope St, Dunedin, was also targeted, with two of the church\u2019s more prominent stained-glass windows badly damaged as well as the kitchen window.<\/p>\n
St Matthew\u2019s bishop\u2019s warden Peter Masters said the church had contacted the police and cleaned up the damage where it could, but it was now very much a \u2018\u2018waiting game\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It happened over the long weekend, so it might take longer to resolve.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n