CHARITY workers who help autism sufferers and their families has been left devastated after thieves raided their base and stole thousands of pounds of equipment.

Organisers at the Action for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) group said hundreds of families could be left without vital help following the break-in.

The charity, based on the Billington Road Industrial Estate, Burnley, has 200 members across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and has been forced to cancel events and counselling sessions because of the raid.

Thieves stole almost £10,000 worth of computers, TVs, DVDs, a karaoke machine and mixing desks after smashing their way into the offices.

Manager Maureen McLuckie said: "We are all very angry and upset at what has happened. This was just a mindless act by people who clearly do not care who they affect.

"We try to provide a valuable service but that has been compromised because of what these people have done.

"It isn't just the physical items that have gone, although that is bad enough, but we have had to cancel counselling sessions which can have a devastating affect on people who rely on it for emotional support.

"I pray the people who have done this never have a child with autism because then they will realise how hard it is. Cruel and thoughtless actions like this make it even harder.

"If the people responsible have any conscience I'd appeal for them to return the things they have taken."

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the break-in, which happened last Sunday.

He added: "This was a callous crime. We would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch with us on 01282 425001 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Action for ASD was set up in 1996 under the name of CASSEL - Children with Asperger Syndrome & Autism Support in East Lancashire.

It is affiliated to the National Autistic Society and provides information about services available, encourages children to socialise and establishes links between families. It also provides information about social security and other benefits, a telephone helpline and arranges social events.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects the development of social, communication and imagination skills. It presents itself in varying degrees of severity and affects 520,000 children and adults in the UK.

The complex condition affects four times as many boys as girls and is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure.

Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, has recently been highlighted with the publication of Marc Haddon's Whitbread prize-winning novel "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" about a teenager with the condition.