Thieves who stole heating oil from children’s unit are despicable: MLA

THIEVES who took heating oil from a special care unit which provides respite to disabled children and their parents have been branded “despicable”.

Around 1,500 litres of home heating oil valued at around £1,000 was taken from the Whitehaven Respite Unit in Whitehead over the new year.

It was only discovered when the facility reopened on Monday.

“They must have known what the home was, they must have known what they were taking, they can’t have known the very real distress and disruption

Whitehaven provides respite stays for children with disabilities

caused to disabled children,” said Roy Beggs MLA.

Staff said five children were

set to stay the night in the facility and were very excited. When they were told they couldn’t, some became very distressed.

Mr Beggs said: “It’s a home many of the children look forward to visiting.

“Theygetabitofabreakfrom home, they get to meet others and have a social life with friends. It is very important to them.

“Also, the parents get a chance to recharge their batteries and this would have thrown everything up in the air.

“Theft is wrong no matter who orwhatitis,butitisallthemore despicable when it’s from a home which provides such a vital service for disabled children.”

Mr Beggs added: “There is no way those responsible couldn’t have known what they were taking and from whom.

“I know it disrupted the service until the supply could be replenished.

“They probably thought it was easy pickings.

“But it couldn’t have operated without heat and I am sure it would have been very difficult to explain to the children what happened and why they were having to move.

“The children have significant needs and it was probably inappropriate to continue without heat.”

Police are investigating and urged the public to ensure home heating oil tanks are secure.