Thieves have targeted a care home, stealing prizes gifted to raise funds used to pay for extra activities and treats for its residents.
Haven Court in McAnany Avenue, South Shields, was broken into between Thursday, July 17, and the early hours of the next morning.
The care home is in the grounds of South Tyneside District Hospital and provides residential and nursing care, including for people with dementia. It also offers rehabilitation, helping people regain their independence following illness, accident or a disability.
Haven Court is a wholly owned subsidiary of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
The break-in happened when a window of an office was smashed. The thieves snatched prizes which had been donated by the loved ones of residents and staff.
They were due to be put in a tombola and raffle at the home’s summer fayre, which will be held on Saturday, August 2, from 10am until noon.
Money raised at the event will be used support those who live in the home. Funds are used to pay for visits by entertainers, fish and chip Fridays, ice creams, trips out and other activities.
The home is now busy rallying to collect more items for the raffle. Those who have heard about the burglary have asked how they can help. Anyone who would like to donate items can drop them off at the home.
A donation of £100 has been made by STS Charity, the Trust’s dedicated charity, to help kick start a new collection of items. Tesco in Simonside, Jarrow, and Asda Boldon have each donated gifts too.
The office which was broken into is in part of the building which is away from where residents live. That area can only be accessed with a staff ID card or visitor let in by a member of the team. A review of security has since taken place and further measures put in place.
Sarah Sasmazer, Director of Care, Quality and Safety and the Registered Manager of Haven Court, said: “To be broken into is upsetting in its own right, but to then have items stolen which had been kindly gifted to us raise money for our residents is utterly devastating.
“We work really hard to go above and beyond to provide extras for those we look after and make their days more enjoyable. We hope the person or people who did this realises the impact it has had and thinks long and hard about their actions.
“Someone will know who did this. Northumbria Police is investigating and we would encourage anyone with information to pass this on. Whoever is responsible should face the consequences for what they have done.
“We also need to foot the bill for repairs, which is another cost to our home when we really want to focus our time and funds on caring for our residents.”
Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media or using the live chat function on its website. For those who are unable to contact via those ways, call 101. Please quote crime reference 082132Q/25.
