EXCLUSIVE: Aspire Ryde had some unexpected visitors on Saturday evening (24), who tucked into snacks and slept on the sofas - before leaving an apology note.
Three young people broke into the former Ryde church at around 10pm and stayed until Sunday lunchtime.
Staff and volunteers arriving on Monday morning to open the softplay facility for the day found a note thanking them for their hospitality and noting that they had made a donation towards drinks and snacks they had taken.
The note read:
“Hello, we stayed in your church last night, all hotels were closed. Had a few drinks and cookies, we cleaned up and here’s the costs for our stay. A little drunk, sorry again. Thank you and sorry for entering without asking. We put the money in the box on the door. Sorry but thanks. From your guests.”
Chief Executive, Trevor Nicholas, said:
“This was a very strange break in. The three young people moved some furniture around and made a bit of a mess but didn’t cause any considerable damage.
"They appear to have taken a mobile phone and left an empty bottle but apart from that we just have hours of CCTV footage of them lounging on sofa’s and exploring the cafe.”
The trio appear to have been unaware of the CCTV in place and police have been provided with the footage.
Trevor added:
“We will always try to help people in crisis and who need assistance with housing and other needs.
"Our drop in advice centre is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and we would always encourage people to come and see us when we are open rather than visiting in this way."