CCTV has captured the ‘devastating’ moment thieves using a metal grinder cut through a dementia centre’s gates to steal three minibuses.

The vital vehicles were swiped from Age UK Kent Rivers’ Capstone Dementia Centre in Chatham, on multiple occasions this week.

The firm’s chief executive, John Norley, said the incidents have left the organisation and staff “completely devastated” and means they will have to reduce their services.

He added: “The charity’s resources are extremely hard to come by, and essential to the valuable services we provide.

“Our transport is very clearly marked with our charity name and livery, so it’s not a huge leap to assume that these people have deliberately targeted what they see as an easy option.

“We are appealing to the people of Medway to close ranks in support of the charity and keep their eyes peeled for our very distinct vehicles.

“Of course we have reported the thefts to the police, our insurance company, and the lease company who own these vehicles, but replacing the transport will take a huge amount of time, which means older people will lose out on services from today, and every day, until the situation is resolved.”

The minibuses allow the charity to transport those living with dementia in the Towns to the care centre in Hopewell Drive.

As a result of the thefts, it has been forced to reduce its services to older people until the vehicles are recovered.

Age UK Kent Rivers was formed last year following a merger with two other charities so the minibuses are still branded with its former name Age UK Medway.

John added: “You cannot miss our buses – they are big white minibuses and liveried in our bright orange, blue, pink and green logo.

“We are a well-recognised local brand, so I hope appealing to the general public, who have always supported us, will help shed some light on the recent thefts.”

The registrations of the stolen buses are CH69 CHL, which was taken on Friday, July 5, and HX69 CJO and HX69 CFV, which went missing either yesterday evening (July 10) or this morning (July 11).

All of the vehicles had alarms and anti-theft steering wheel blocks.

No suspects have yet been identified and a police investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information about the stolen vehicles, contact police by calling 101, quoting ref 11-0233.