Inverclyde's Boys' Brigade companies have been forced off the road by thieves

Youth group leader Alan Aitken took the vehicle to the garage after it failed to start.

He believed it had simply broken down but was left speechless when mechanics told him the bus had been targeted by thieves.

They cut through cables, stole the vital engine part and caused major damage.

The bus is used by BB companies to ferry their 420 members to activities across the country.

It was parked outside the Lyle Kirk in Greenock when it was targeted.

Now the organisation have been forced to cancel trips and face paying a hefty bill.

Inverclyde District Commissioner Alan, MBE, who is also a captain of 2nd Gourock said: "I never ever expected this.

"I am shocked and surprised.

"It is unbelievable, I was speechless when I found out."

"The bus has the BB logo all over it so it isn't like they didn't know.

"We are a voluntary organisation and give up our own time to run the BB.

"We take the boys on activities, rambling and to play football all over the country.

"We had to cancel activities and look for alternative transport."

The bus was purchased a few years ago and funds are raised to keep it on the road.

It used by the 10 local companies across Inverclyde to take boys to the likes of ice hockey, football and day trips.

In December a Port Glasgow company had booked the bus for a couple of events, including the carol concert at Cappielow, where their band was playing.

But when they went to move the bus from outside the church it wouldn't start.

Alan said: "I just thought it had broken down and we'd sort it out after Christmas.

"We bought the bus a few years ago and we have had great use out of it.

"It has never been targeted before and has always been safe in Union Street."

Alan, who is also the captain of the 2nd Gourock, based in St John's Church, took the bus to Devlin Motors.

Mechanic Craig Devlin said: "I honestly have never seen anything like this before.

"They have butchered it while trying to cut it off.

"People have taken off catalytic converters, windscreen wipers and wing mirrors, but a starter motor?

The bus was targeted sometime between December 5 and December 14, in Lyle Kirk, Union Street, Greenock.

Alan added: "We are just appealing to anyone who might have noticed someone acting suspiciously.

"They would have had a van with them and they would be under the bus as well."

If anyone has information or witnessed anyone acting suspiciously they should contact Greenock police on 101.