Heartless thieves target Norwich residential home for people with disabilities
12/07/2010
PRESS RELEASE For immediate release 8 July 2010
Heartless thieves target Norwich residential home for people with disabilities
On Monday 5 July in the early hours of the morning, thieves broke into John Grooms Court, Norwich, and stole the residents communal television and Playstation.
John Grooms is home to 20 people with disabilities aged 18 to 65 and the television and Playstation were kept in the centres day room where residents can go to eat, relax and socialise. The theft was discovered at 4.30 am by one of the residents.
In a smash and grab scenario the intruder(s) entered the premises and ripped the 50 inch television off the day rooms wall and also took a PLaystation 2 before fleeing. They had to leave the back of the television behind as it was securely bolted to the day room wall. Discarded cabling was found at a nearby bus stop.
The television set had been bought three years ago thanks to a donation by the Wroxham Lions Club and cost around £1000.
Mike Flavell, Unit Manager at John Grooms Court, said, ''It is really appalling that thieves targeted facilities used people with disabilities. Our residents loved their television and really enjoyed being able to watch events such as the World Cup together in the communal room. It is such a senseless act as well: the thieves had to rip the screen off the wall and the television probably sustained so much damage that it is now unusable. The television and Playstation 2 had been purchased thanks to charitable donations and it is really sad that peoples generosity has been repaid by such thoughtlessness.''
Anyone wanting to donate and help the centre purchase replacement items for residents can write to John Grooms Court, 215 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4HX.
John Grooms Court is run by leading disability charity
Livability. The charity campaigns to empower people with
disability in the UK and its own services promote independence,
choice, control, opportunity and respect for its
residents.
END
For more information on this release contact Fabienne Jacquet on 0207 452 2084 or email fjacquet@livability.org.uk
Notes to Editor
- Livability is one of the largest disability charities in
the UK. We work with over 8,000 adults and children with
physical and learning disabilities, helping them to lead full,
independent lives and maximise their own potential.
- Livability is a specialist provider of innovative services,
which aim to support and empower disabled people throughout
their lives. These include residential care, educational
facilities, holiday accommodation, brain injury rehabilitation
and care within the community.
- We actively campaign for change, giving people living with
disabilities choice, opportunity and control.
- For more information visit www.livability.org.uk.
