Money that should have been spent on opportunities of a lifetime for a group of Medway scouts, has had to be spent on security equipment after thoughtless vandals broke into their club hut.

The building in Boundary Road, Chatham is used by the 11th Medway Scouts and Boundary Road Pre-School which had to close for a day while the damage was repaired.

Assistant scout leader Tim Hunt said: “Somebody broke in through the back door and smashed the glass, they broke into the pre-school’s cupboard and pulled the doors off.

“Although nothing of value was taken, we are facing the cost of repairs and improvements to the security lighting and alarm systems.

“We are dependent on volunteers, donations and fundraising to support the children we serve and this will divert money away from the children’s activities.”

The pack led by David Knight, has 60 children, both boys and girls, aged from five to 18-years-old.

This summer, 30 of them are going to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland for a international scout jamboree and through fundraising, the cost of this trip for each child has been reduced.

The money the pack raise through events, quizzes and murder mystery evenings also goes towards new equipment, fun activities and camps.

Mr Hunt added: “Much of our fundraising efforts go towards giving the scouts opportunities of a lifetime and we try to keep the prices down as much as possible so everyone can join in. This will really restrict what we can do with the children.”

The scouts ran a stall at the Dickens Festival this weekend with a variety of games including a coconut shy.

Following the break-in, a page has been set up on easyfundraising.org.uk to pay for the new security equipment.

The website allows groups to raise money when people shop online on Amazon, ebay, Sainsbury’s or John Lewis, rather than making donations.

A police spokesman said: “Officers attended and investigated the incident. No suspect was identified, however officers will investigate any new information which comes to light.”