MINDLESS vandals damaged windows at an Alloa charity over the Easter weekend.

Volunteers at Play Alloa arrived to their Broad Street venue following the extended break, only to find cracks on three windows at the premises, which is used to provide social and play opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and additional support needs.

Police are now investigating and appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.

The charity's project manager, Maria Malcolm, thanked locals for their “lovely” messages of support after the damage was discovered on Tuesday, April 3.

But she insisted it is “not the crime of the century” and the team are very much getting on with the day job.

She told the Advertiser: “It's just some kids, I imagine, chucking some stones at windows and it caused some rather big cracks.”

People quickly rallied around and Maria wanted to thank Murray Shanks at MJS Joiners for assessing the damage and for his efforts in sorting new panes, which are hoped to arrive later this week.

She added: “It's such a great community.

“When people come together like that, it is such a lovely feeling.”

Unfortunately, the cost of the materials will have to come from donated funds, as the charity is entirely reliant on the generosity of people.

Maria added: “They just don't seem to think about the damage that's [vandalism] going to cause and the implications for a charity like us, we have to fundraise for absolutely everything that we do.

“We really didn't need this.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland told the Advertiser: “Police in Forth Valley are investigating following a report of damage to the windows of a children's charity in Alloa.

"Three windows were damaged to the building in Broad Street at some point between Friday, March 30, and Monday, April 2.

"Inquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances.

"Anyone with information that can assist officers is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 0932 of April 3 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."