Van stolen from Sliema boys' home

The Salesian community is appealing for the return of the school's minibus or for help to enable them to buy another one after their Toyota Hi-Ace was stolen from St Patrick's Salesian School, Sliema on Saturday afternoon.

The white van has registration TFB 328.

Fr Antoine Farrugia, head of care, said the 15-seater minibus was an essential tool for the work the staff of the Salesian House do with the boys.

The stolen vehicle was being shared among five separate units, catering for up to 10 boys each, which is why it was used on many occasions daily.

The theft will likely thwart the programme of activities carefully prepared for the boys' benefit in the coming weeks, he said.

The Salesian community strongly condemned the theft and appealed to anyone who has any information as to its whereabouts, or who can help them replace it, to call on 2133 6600 or contact the Sliema police station.

Fr Farrugia said St Patrick's was not just a school; it provided residential services for boys aged between nine and 16 who have seen more than their fair share of pain and suffering in their young lives.

Last year, 135 boys sought the care services of St Patrick's and a similar number were pupils of the school.