Miss-Delectable
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News - Sheffield Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More
THIEVES ransacked a service for deaf and hard of hearing people in Sheffield - forcing volunteers to temporarily close down.
Computers and a mobile phone were taken from Sheffield Deaf Advice Service on Arundel Gate after raiders smashed their way into the building through the roof.
Cash for a raffle and Christmas meal was also stolen.
And the repair bill could reach as much as £25,000 because the roof was so badly damaged, electrical lights wrecked and a false ceiling brought down, leaving rubble strewn around the building.
Now the building has been condemned as unsafe so the service has been forced to temporarily close - and is not expected to reopen for around two weeks.
Staff said today they were 'devastated' by the break-in and the effect it will have on the people they help.
Volunteer coordinator Maxine Wordsworth said: "We are a unique and specific service as most of our clients are profoundly deaf. I cannot understand the thought process of the people who have done this.
"Closing the service is the detriment of our clients but the thieves don't care about this. We are all feeling down and are concerned about our clients."
The team is now faced with replacing equipment, sorting out repairs and clearing up the mess.
The service provides advice on housing, employment and welfare benefits to people with a hearing difficulties.
Manager Kate Bushen said they see around 10 clients a day, who rely on their help them deal with complex social issues.
Some need regular face to face meetings in the building in order to deal with issues such as benefits advice and there are deadlines for making claims.
Clients also communicate with the service via email - but now cannot because three computers have been stolen.
"We have been trying to work out why us," said Kate. "Not that anyone deserves to get burgled, but we're a charity. We provide a very good service to people who are vulnerable. "
During the break-in, client files were rifled through and their contents strewn around the office.
Police are investigating. Anyone with information should call 0114 2202020.
THIEVES ransacked a service for deaf and hard of hearing people in Sheffield - forcing volunteers to temporarily close down.
Computers and a mobile phone were taken from Sheffield Deaf Advice Service on Arundel Gate after raiders smashed their way into the building through the roof.
Cash for a raffle and Christmas meal was also stolen.
And the repair bill could reach as much as £25,000 because the roof was so badly damaged, electrical lights wrecked and a false ceiling brought down, leaving rubble strewn around the building.
Now the building has been condemned as unsafe so the service has been forced to temporarily close - and is not expected to reopen for around two weeks.
Staff said today they were 'devastated' by the break-in and the effect it will have on the people they help.
Volunteer coordinator Maxine Wordsworth said: "We are a unique and specific service as most of our clients are profoundly deaf. I cannot understand the thought process of the people who have done this.
"Closing the service is the detriment of our clients but the thieves don't care about this. We are all feeling down and are concerned about our clients."
The team is now faced with replacing equipment, sorting out repairs and clearing up the mess.
The service provides advice on housing, employment and welfare benefits to people with a hearing difficulties.
Manager Kate Bushen said they see around 10 clients a day, who rely on their help them deal with complex social issues.
Some need regular face to face meetings in the building in order to deal with issues such as benefits advice and there are deadlines for making claims.
Clients also communicate with the service via email - but now cannot because three computers have been stolen.
"We have been trying to work out why us," said Kate. "Not that anyone deserves to get burgled, but we're a charity. We provide a very good service to people who are vulnerable. "
During the break-in, client files were rifled through and their contents strewn around the office.
Police are investigating. Anyone with information should call 0114 2202020.
