Sinn Féin’s Danny Lavery said he was “utterly disgusted” at a break-in where wrapped Christmas presents which were to be given to severely disabled children at their festive party next week have been stolen.
The presents for the children, some of whom are life limited, were just part of a haul taken from the 174 Trust at Duncairn Avenue at the weekend. A wheelchair valued at £600 and specially adapted computer equipment was also taken in the Saturday night/Sunday morning theft.
The weekend raid was the second break-in at the centre in less than a week and the sixth time in two months that the charity has been the target of anti-social behaviour.
“To steal Christmas presents that were gathered for these disabled children at this community centre beggars belief,” said Danny.
“I'm appealing to anyone that has any knowledge of this break in to come forward. There's little point appealing to the thieves but if anyone is offered stolen toys it's not too late to rescue Christmas for these children.”
He said North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly met the PSNI at a senior level last week to hold them to account for their poor record in North Belfast on burglaries.
“We are demanding swift action and a sharp policing focus to arrest these gangs and bring them before the courts. We all must rally around community workers in this facility who are doing such great work and ensure the burglars are caught.”
Police are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000. Information about crime can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
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