THIEVES wrecked a kitchen when they broke into a centre for the homeless.

The Coventry Jesus Centre, in Lamb Street, city centre, has been helping homeless and disadvantaged people in the city for four years.

Burglars scaled the building and broke in through a vent cover on the roof in the raid in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Although nothing of any value was stolen, they caused a considerable amount of damage when they knocked down a suspended ceiling and landed in the kitchen.

Piers Young, the centre manager, said: "As Christians we don't seek revenge, and forgive those who harm us - but they ought to face legal justice.

"They made quite a mess and we will have to pick up the first £500 repair costs before the insurance cover kicks in.

Obviously we could do without this sort of disruption, and our visitors, who depend on our service, were upset as well."

The burglars left via the fire exit - without apparently stealing anything - and triggered the alarm, which resulted in Mr Young being called to the scene.

He added: "Police have taken forensic evidence and our security cameras picked up some useful clues, but it remains to see if the culprits are caught.

"One of them dropped through into the building, presumably hoping to land in an office.

But without finding anything they wanted, they fled."

The raid happened between 12.45am and 1am yesterday.

Anyone with information should ring the police on 0845 113 5000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

Source: The Coventry Evening Telegraph