An attempted break-in has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to an independent food bank.

Thieves with hammers reportedly tried to raid The Community Cupboard in West Kingsdown on Saturday night (November 5).

“It potentially could have left dozens of people without food, but we managed to carry on,” said David Carter, one of four trustees.

“We look after people with babies, pensioners and those with ill health.

“They were stealing from their own. I never thought we would see the day.”

The food bank is based in a transformed youth club near West Kingsdown Library, off the A20 London Road.

Sevenoaks County Cllr David Brazier (Con) financed the operations from a grant of £5,000 in January 2020.

During Guy Fawkes Night, thieves allegedly targeted the food bank.

“The intent was very clear,” David explained. “The two individuals had a van and were desperately trying to get into the building.

“We saw them with hammers smashing our shutters, as well as running up and kicking it. Then they were spooked and left.”

Luckily nothing was stolen, but the security shutters which cover the front of the building were ruined.

The team posted a message on their social media page on Monday after discovering the damage.

It said: “Words cannot describe the upset this morning.

“What sort of lowlifes think it’s ok to target and try to rob a food bank?

“Over the bonfire weekend we had an attempted break-in, leaving us with thousands of pounds of damage.”

“The culprits were thankfully unable to gain access inside, despite great force and numerous attempts,” it went on to say.

“Whilst you failed to take anything, you selfishly reduced the amount of support that we have been able to give to people in need today because we have been dealing with the damage that you have caused.

“Shame on you, I don’t know how you sleep at night.”

David added: “Arriving to see parts of the shutter peeled back, you don’t really know what to say or do, you are just numb.

“The worst part about it was we had to look over the CCTV footage – it was quite a hard watch.

“We only got the new shutters about 10 months ago during our rebuild.

“It cost us £4,000 to have them installed in the first place.”

“We would have given them food if they wanted it.”

The food bank is open several hours a week and stocks a range of tins, toiletries and fresh produce for those in need.

They previously appealed for community assistance to pay bills to keep them afloat after the impacts of Covid.

The team has praised the local community, Parish Clerk Cllr Lynda Harrison and the police for their help and quick response.

David said: “Everyone is perplexed. We are independent – meaning people can come to us with no criteria.

“We would have given them food if they wanted it. There was nothing of high value in there.”

Those who wish to donate or help can contact the food bank via communitycupboard19@gmail.com.

A spokesman for the police said: “Officers were called at 9.55am on Monday, November 6, to a report that security shutters of a building in London Road, West Kingsdown had been found damaged.

“Entry to the building wasn’t gained and the incident is being investigated.”

Anyone with information should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/197431/23.