‘Cruel’ thieves hit children’s centre

9:03am Tuesday 5th August 2008

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CALLOUS thieves have stolen a games console designed to help sick children with their recovery.

The break-in happened at the Children’s Centre at York Hospital. Only two months ago the centre, using donations from members of the public, bought a Nintendo Wii games console and a flat-screen television to hook the console up to.

The Nintendo was to help children with their physiotherapy, as the console’s games require players to move about in order to control an on-screen character.

But over the weekend burglars broke through a fire door and then smashed a glass panel to gain access to the centre.

Once in, they rifled their way through drawers and cupboards before finding the Nintendo, which was in a locked cupboard. They also took the television, which was screwed to the wall.

The cost of the games console, with a game, is around £180 while it is thought the television cost between £300 and £400.

Jill Crampton, the matron for children’s services, said: “I think it’s very disappointing that people have to stoop to such levels, really. The impact of what they have done has a knock-on effect on everyone who works in the area and the families of children at the centre.

“We all try to make it as nice an experience as possible, and when people do things like this it just sickens you, really.” Mrs Crampton said although the theft of the Nintendo would not impact on the physiotherapy that children receive as such, it would take the fun and enjoyment out of what could be a frightening time for a child.

She said: “It will have an impact, in that this has been identified by physiotherapists as something that would enhance the treatments that the children attend, and it’s disappointing that we are almost back to square one.”

Although the items were insured, Mrs Crampton said it was unlikely they would be reimbursed for the full cost of the items, so would have to reapply for more funds from charitable trusts. In total, the centre treats around 3,000 children of all ages each year – although not all would have used the Nintendo.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said it was believed the burglary took place between 10.40pm on Friday and 1.45am on Saturday. “Forensic examination of the scene has been carried out and inquiries are ongoing,” he said. “This is a despicable and cruel-hearted offence which highlights the depths some criminals will sink to.

“Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact the police immediately.” Anyone with information should phone PC 1974 Amanda Homburg of the York Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.