Skip to content

Melksham community 'distraught' after burglars vandalise scout hut

BBC A view of the front of the Melksham Scout Hut with a purple sign including the scouts brandBBC
The Melksham Scout hut was broken into and vandalised

A community has been left "distraught" after vandals "wrecked" their scout hut used for activities and events.

Wiltshire Police officers are investigating the suspected burglaries at Melksham Scout hut, which happened on Sunday and Monday.

Two teenagers have been arrested for a string of incidents, including the burglary, and released on bail.

The hut has since been redecorated by members of the local Scouts club.

Fitness instructor Claire Webber uses the Scout hut and said she was sad to discover the graffiti and mess.

"All the pictures the scouts had done were all damaged. Why would someone want to do that," she said.

"I just hope that anyone who does know who is responsible will come forward. These people need to know how upsetting this is.

"I had to cancel two classes and people turning up for one of them were very distraught about it."

Fitness instructor Claire Webber has grey hair and stands inside the redecorated scout hut smiling at the camera wearing a brown hoodie
Claire Webber said the vandalism made her feel sad

Wiltshire Police officer Gemma Rutter said the incident had a "massive knock-on affect in the community".

"It hurts people's feelings, its an emotional crime and it's one that upsets you and stays with people for a long time," she said.

"This is a safe place where people come to have fun, build life skills, foundations, friendships.

"To have someone take that away from you, I think that's the real cost here," she added.

Officer Gemma Rutter smiling at the camera. She has dark hair and is wearing a hi-vis police vest with a radio attached to it. She is standing in the redecorated scout hall
Officer Gemma Rutter said the burglary hurt people's feelings

Officer Rutter thanked members of the public who came forwards with information.

"We had some brilliant results. Enquiries will continue," she added.

A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, two counts of theft and two counts of arson. He has been released under investigation for theft and released on bail for theft and two counts of arson.Another teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and theft and has been released on bail.

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]