Heartless thieves have stolen the Christmas lights from the front garden of Julia’s House children’s hospice.
Care staff arriving at the hospice were devastated to discover that lights that had been set up for the enjoyment of the poorly children attending sessions this week and staying over this weekend, had gone.
Two men pulled up outside the hospice on Springdale Road, Corfe Mullen, in a white van at around 9pm on Tuesday 9 December; the passenger entered the garden, slashed the wires leading from a junction box and stole the box, rendering the carefully arranged lights useless. They also took some lights on stakes which were illuminating the entrance to the hospice and had been donated by one of the charity’s supporters.
Emma Shepherd, Clinical Development Lead Nurse at the hospice, said: “We are all so shocked that someone could steal from a children’s hospice. We have children attending a session tomorrow and several children staying this weekend and they will now miss out. Many of our children have sensory challenges or difficulties with their sight, but they can all see and enjoy lights.”
Allan Ward, Maintenance Officer for Julia’s House, made the shocking discovery at 7.30am this morning. The incident was captured on CCTV and there was lots of passing traffic during the theft.
Police Constable Garry Weston, of Ferndown police, said: “We know that a small light-coloured car or delivery van pulled up outside the hospice and a man got out of the passenger seat and walked toward the grounds of Julia’s House.
“The van left the scene and the offender was seen to walk into the grounds of Julia’s house before leaving carrying the lights.
“This was a despicable crime on a hospice which offers day and respite care for children with life limiting illnesses.
“I urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information about those responsible to contact Dorset Police in confidence.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 10:63. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
