A CHARITY that works with people affected by substance misuse is reeling after thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment was stolen from its premises.

Staff at Project 6 are devastated following the burglary, which happened between 8.30 and 10pm on Monday when thieves smashed their way into the back of the Russell Street venue in Keighley and ransacked locked cabinets.

They stole six Hewlett Packard G Series laptops – estimated worth about £3,000 – which were used by the charity's Work Club.

Vicky Beere, the charity's acting chief executive officer, explained they are currently half-way through a course helping people to develop skills to become self-employed.

She says the loss of the computers will have a significant impact.

Vicky explains the popularity of the courses and benefits they bring. More than 120 people accessed the facilities last year and 20 have since found employment.

"We work really hard to support individuals and the community and it is heartbreaking when somebody does this to us," added Vicky.

A West Yorkshire police spokesman says: "We would appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or who have any information, to speak to Keighley Area Neighbourhood Policing team via 101."