Theft of activity van has CanTeen staff 'gobsmacked'

The beige Toyota Granvia, registration ERA844. Photo / Supplied

Staff at a cancer charity in Auckland are shocked that their patients' transport has been stolen.

The 12-seater, beige-coloured van was the Grafton Rd CanTeen branch's main source of transport and was used to take youngsters on daily activities.

It would have been used today to take a group of CanTeen members to the cinema. It was also used to take members between their homes and hospital.

Spokeswoman Kimberley Waters said staff were disappointed someone had stolen something from a cause that was helping young people with cancer.

"They actually had to come into our garage, lift the garage door off the hinges and take it.

"They would've seen the signs out the front that this was CanTeen and [known] what we do. For us, we're kind of just gobsmacked. How could somebody steal from a charity for young people with cancer?"

The van was not branded with the CanTeen logo, as many youngsters just wanted to be treated normally.

Mrs Waters said members were very upset.

A2B Car Rental has offered Auckland CanTeen a van until they can purchase a new one.

"We're just really grateful to them. We don't have to cancel any upcoming member activities."

Staff believe the van was taken some time on Sunday evening.

If you have any information about the van, contact Auckland Central Police on 302 6400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- additional reporting: Anna Leask