A CHARITY for vulnerable children has been targeted by yobs in a month-long campaign of vandalism.

Up to 10 youths smashed windows, damaged parked cars and forced their way into the Wroughton Youth Adventure charity, based at the Legge House Conference Centre, on four consecutive weekend nights, police said.

On one occasion they stole the children’s shoes and threw them onto the graveyard at St John the Baptist and St Helen Church, the charity has claimed.

The organisation, off Church Hill in Wroughton, offers respite care for up to 36 vulnerable children, aged 11 to 19, during activity-filled weekends.

Now CCTV has been installed and members of staff are prepared to stake out overnight to catch those responsible.

The new technology combined with the damage caused has cost the charity as much as £1,000.

Centre manager Chris Offord is appalled by the behaviour of the vandals.

He said: “We have experienced problems caused by six to 10 youngsters on the last four Sundays.

“These people don’t seem to be respecting the sensitivity of the children’s predicament.

“These vulnerable children staying with the charity have serious issues. A lot are in care and have had hard lives.

“We might have to stay up overnight, not as a vigilante exercise but as a means of protection.”

PC Rory Draper, the community beat manager for Rural Swindon South, said: “There has been at least two smashed windows and damage to cars in the nearby car park.

“We will be patrolling the area in an attempt to catch those who are causing these problems.”

Vicar Michael Johnson of the nearby Wroughton parish church, added: “It’s disrespectful, distressing for the children and irritating for the staff at Legge House.”

The Filling Station charity also uses the Wroughton conference centre. It helps those living rough on Swindon's streets and provides them with tinned food, toiletries and clothes.

Any information about this antisocial behaviour can be passed onto PC Draper by calling 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively ring Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111.