THIEVES have struck at the new home of Mid Devon charity Age Concern just weeks before it is set to open.

Age Concern Tiverton, Cullompton and District is relocating its day service centre to the old highways office in Broad Lane, Tiverton.

Since the turn of the year, work has been carried out apace on the new Haven Centre, with the hope of welcoming the first clients later this month.

Workmen arrived at the site on Friday morning to discover a length of copper pipe had been stolen from the rear of the premises.

The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday, March 4.

Age Concern vice-chairman Martin Clough said fortunately the theft had not caused any major damage to the building.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08452 777 444, quoting crime reference KT/10/425.