COMMUNITY leaders have slammed the "horrid" offenders who burgled a Romsey food bank, it has been revealed.

Police officers were called to Greatbridge Road after receiving reports that the Romsey Foodbank and the Freedom Church Offices had been burgled.

It is believed the incident took place during the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, after entry was gained when a ground floor door was forced open.

Now one Test Valley councillor has branded the burglars as "the lowest of the low" after the Romsey Foodbank manager discovered several items of food were stolen from the unit.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on the borough council, told the Romsey Advertiser: "This is the lowest of the low.

"Stealing from a charity that is helping the most vulnerable people who are in need in the worst possible circumstances really is despicable.

"Someone must know something about what these people did and this is one of those crimes that crosses the line."

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, said: "I was fed up when I heard some horrid people decided to break into the Romsey Foodbank.

"The fact that there are people out there who are willing to take illegal advantage of it makes me really angry.

"It is just the pits and I am sure if they were so hungry anyone in Romsey would have given them and their families food."

Cllr Janet Burnage, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, added: "I think it is very sad that people find it necessary to steal from a food bank, which is has been set up for people who are in desperate need of food and groceries for themselves and their family.

"It is not easy for anyone to admit that they need to use a food bank and then to take from those who need this service is something that is concerning for all involved."

Commenting on the burglary, Romsey Foodbank manager, Jo Topley, said: "I discovered that someone had entered the building when I unlocked on Wednesday morning to set up for our food bank session.

"This is the first time our food bank has experienced a burglary and we have added additional security measures to the food bank; we feel confident this will help to keep the current food stocks secure so we can continue to support the local community."

She added: "We are really pleased to say that the burglary on Wednesday has had no negative implications on our provision of food support to the local community.

"Very little food was taken and so our stock levels are still healthy thanks to the generous donations of the local community."

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser, Hampshire police inspector, Chris Taylor, said despite the burglary the food bank still has enough food and are not needing to ask for any extra donations.

Anyone who has any information or witnessed the incident is urged to call police on 101, quoting the reference number of 44200150981.