Northern Ireland

Rainbow Project receives thousands in donations after Belfast burglary

The Rainbow Project posted images on Facebook following the break-in
The Rainbow Project posted images on Facebook following the break-in The Rainbow Project posted images on Facebook following the break-in

AN LGBT charity has described supporters' generosity as "incredible" after receiving thousands of pounds in donations following a burglary at its Belfast offices.

Four laptops were stolen and windows were smashed in the overnight break-in at the Rainbow Project's offices on Waring Street in the city centre.

Police are investigating the burglary and have appealed for information.

The Rainbow Project said the break-in happening just over a week before Belfast Pride was "not what we need".

Gavin Boyd, the Rainbow Project's policy and advocacy manager, said they did not know whether the incident was homophobically-motivated.

"Staff are just really shaken up. Ones who were first in this morning were in tears," he said.

"Belfast Pride is our busiest time of year – people have been working for months to get their events organised.

"It knocks a bit of your confidence, but staff have really been working hard getting back to it."

Around a dozen staff use the Belfast offices of the Rainbow Project, which promotes the health and wellbeing of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people in the north.

Mr Boyd said the laptops stolen from the office were "encrypted and client data has not been compromised".

The organisation made a public plea for donations following the break-in, and within hours yesterday its Facebook page had recorded receiving more than £4,000.

Mr Boyd described the response as "incredible", saying: "People have been really generous."

"It's phenomenal. It has been really amazing. People have really rallied behind us," he added.

Police said it's believed entry was gained to the property sometime between 6.45pm on Tuesday and 7.45am yesterday.

They urged anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area overnight or who has any information that could assist their enquiries to phone them on 101, quoting reference number 243 18/07/18.