Heartless thieves destroy Sheffield care home’s dementia garden

The safe and secure garden at Housteads care home on Richmond Park Grove - one of the ten sites operated across the city by charity Sheffcare - was targeted and broken into on the night of Friday May 8 – the VE Day bank holiday.

The thieves stole a greenhouse, seating and plant pots and also caused considerable damage during the raid, breaking through fencing to gain access and smashing lighting.

“This is the second time that Housteads has been targeted and the second time that we have had our garden furniture stolen,” said home manager Adele Marples.

“I am angered and saddened that during such a difficult time for us all, someone feels this is acceptable behaviour towards those who are so vulnerable.

“We will of course strive to fundraise to replace what has been taken but this will obviously take time.

“In the meantime, our dementia residents have been deprived of an area that gave them great peace and security.

“I really do hope that the people who thought this was the right thing to do enjoy sitting in their garden on their stolen property, knowing that they have robbed some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

Police were notified of the incident as soon as the theft and damage was spotted the following morning.