Dementia Hub’s stolen furniture back thanks to the public

THE Willows Dementia Hub has thanked the local community for its support after thieves stole furniture items from its garden.

The shocking theft over the weekend of April 11-12 saw thieves snatch three glass top table and chair sets, one love seat and three parasols and bases.

The loss meant that the 21 residents at the centre on Broad Street were unable to soak up the spring sunshine and had to stay inside whilst still practicing social distancing - but thanks to community generosity and alertness, staff and residents are now back in their garden enjoying the fresh air.

Amazingly, some of the stolen furniture was found and returned to the centre. A post on the hub’s Facebook page said: “It wasn’t all in the best condition but we are so grateful for everyone’s help in getting it back.

“Every single share helped to spread the word far and wide, and to the members of our local area who helped to get it back to us, we are so grateful.”

The post continued: “The theft left our staff feeling extremely scared, particularly on behalf of our vulnerable residents. But thanks to the support of everyone on Facebook and the local community we are so reassured and left feeling safe again.”

A JustGiving page was set up to raise £3,000 to replace the furniture, and the hub says it will use the £1,267 raised to replace the cushions, parasols and their bases, which were completely ruined by the thieves, as well as to buy garden games and throw a party for residents once lockdown is over.

Local businesses also contributed to the support effort Littleborough online retailer Luxury Rattan and Minky Homecare, which is based at Rochdale’s Vale Mill, stepped in to donate a wide range of brand new items, including several patio sets, bistro sets, a rattan sofa, sets of rattan tables and chairs, a bench and cushion, plus a hanging egg chair, two parasols and two lounger chairs.

The centre reported on social media that its CCTV had caught two young men entering the garden over a fence in an area not covered by cameras before carrying a table away on foot on Friday.

The pair then returned with a third youth on Saturday night to steal the rest of the furniture. The centre has reported all details to Greater Manchester Police.

Since the theft, the centre’s property has been secured with new anti theft measures to hopefully warn off future intruders.