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Chatham cat rescue Wisteria Cat Rescue 'lost for words' after £2,000 of equipment stolen from storage units

More than £2,000 of supplies have been stolen from a cat rescue charity.

Last night, Wisteria Cat Rescue, in Romney Road, Chatham, was targeted by thieves who took cat baskets, equipment, cleaning materials and donated items.

Wisteria Cat Rescue in Chatham takes in vulnerable cats
Wisteria Cat Rescue in Chatham takes in vulnerable cats

The charity, which was created by 30-year-old Billy Devitt and is run from his house, helps care for vulnerable or rescued cats.

Speaking about the burglary, which happened at the charity's storage unit, Billy said: "It's so frustrating. It's an awful feeling to know that something you're doing to help has been abused with the theft of much needed items.

"If people were in need, we as a charity would help and support, but to have our stuff damaged and stolen is just soul destroying."

Billy went up to the storage site earlier today to collect some equipment to find the unit had been broken into.

He estimates around £2,000 worth of goods were stolen. There is no CCTV in the area, but Billy and other volunteers have asked nearby residents to check their doorbell cameras.

Billy and rescue cat Arthur, who arrived at Wisteria Cat Rescue in a bad condition
Billy and rescue cat Arthur, who arrived at Wisteria Cat Rescue in a bad condition

Informing people about the robbery on social media earlier today he said: "Overnight we’ve received the lowest of the low with our storage being broken into, where lots of our supplies have been stolen.

"Right now we are all shocked beyond belief how you could go so low to steal, but most importantly if you are that desperate you could have asked me and I would have helped.

"Cleaning stuff, equipment and personal items have been stolen. I’m lost for words."

Wisteria Cat Rescue was set up by Gillingham Aldi manager Billy last year, being officially registered by the Charity Commission in September.

The majority of donations come from people on Facebook to cover the costs, with Billy explaining he and volunteers cover the £3,500 to £4,000 cost of caring for dozens of cats a month.

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