THIEVES have hit the district's most popular youth spot, leaving managers with a huge financial headache.
The award-winning Skaterham centre, which attracts about 500 youngsters aged 5 to 25 each week, was rocked after criminals scaled the roof of the former chapel building and stripped about 20 metres of lead.
The incident in the early hours of Saturday is a blow to those at the centre off Coulsdon Road.
Replacing the lead will cost around £8,000 – at a time when Skaterham is already desperately scrambling to raise funds.
Its "temporary" toilet block, which is six years old, is decaying.
A £30,000 fundraising quest to urgently replace them is only one-quarter of the way to its target.
Skaterham's co-ordinator Marilyn Payne, who was made an MBE last year for her work with young skaters, said: "This is a real setback.
"Unfortunately, we are not insured for this theft, and I don't know how we are going to raise the money to replace the lead.
"The roof survived Sunday night's heavy rain, but it will present problems in the long term.
"Funding is tight enough as it is, and it feels like we are back to square one."
About £500 of lead was left near the scene, possibly because the thieves were disturbed by someone.
Simon Edge, of Alexander Crescent, Caterham, co-organised a fundraising fun day at Kenley Airfield last month which raised £2,500 for the toilet block – with a further £5,000 pledged by Caterham Round Table.
He said: "It feels like taking one step forward and two steps back.
"Its dispiriting, but I'm confident the Caterham community will rally round and help us.
"I hope we can see the fundraising through to its fruition."
A concert featuring Peter Donegan – son of 60s pop star Lonnie Donegan – will be held at Skaterham on September 24.
Mr Edge's wife Maria is planning to do a sponsored glider flight for the cause, and funding will be sought from the National Lottery and other sources.
Youngsters at Skaterham practice their skills on ramps, ride BMX bikes, enjoy DJ mixing sessions, and also sports events and camping weekends.
Skaterham has won three High Sheriff of Surrey Awards and was nominated for a National Crime Award in 2005 for its work with local youths.