VOLUNTEERS at a community centre are getting bogged down with the theft of toilet rolls from their building.

As many as 15 rolls are being taken from Whitstable Umbrella Centre each week.

Staff lifted the lid on the losses in the hope of sniffing out the culprits and persuading them to stop. Otherwise, they warn, they will have to lock their loos.

Volunteer Mike Kite, who contacted the Times about the thefts, said: "Although we make every possible effort to support the community, this could be seen as rolling out our services a step too far.

"In the current financial climate we must spend our pennies wisely to avoid going down the pan."

The thefts started about two weeks ago. Most rolls go missing from the women's toilets next to the main hall.

Centre manager Rob Isted said it was not just the cost of replacing them that was a problem, but the time taken by caretakers to tackle the theft. He added: "If it's about 20p a roll and we're losing 12 to 15 rolls a week, that's about £150 a year, which is quite a bit of money to us.

"We've thought about putting locks on the doors, but it will cost too much.

"We are thinking of having radar keys for the disabled toilets.

"The policy of our establishment is to be a totally open centre. Quite a few people use the toilets. If somebody walked in off the street and used them we wouldn't know.

"Some people think we're run by the council but we're not, we're a charity."

The centre receives some funding from Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council but relies on donations and fundraising.

It offers a range of courses, a base for clubs and groups and the Parasol Club, providing support to people with mental health issues.

Volunteers plan to ask police to look into the problem if it persists.

Contact the Umbrella centre by calling 01227 274880 or visit www.whitstableumbrella. co.uk