'Evil' thieves target centre for disabled THREE times in one week

Goscote Greenacres Community Garden, which is based at the Goscote Centre, in Goscote Lane, Walsall, is a ‘much loved’ site that offers people with disabilities a chance to socialise and learn new skills, including gardening.

Last week, thieves targeted the garden on Monday at around 8am. Then on Wednesday and Thursday the site was hit again at around 6pm.

A hosepipe and four hanging baskets, which had been arranged with flowers by users of the community garden, were stolen.

Bosses at the site said they ‘don’t understand’ what the thieves would get from stealing the items, which are of sentimental value and worth very little in terms of cash.

Paul Mason, community development officer at Goscote Greenacres Community Garden, said: “We are so shocked that we would be targeted at all, let alone three times in one week.

“We like to think that we are respected in the area for the work we do but this is so disheartening.

“These people are evil and I really don’t understand what they are getting from this. The hose is worth next to no money and while the hanging baskets are nice they are of more sentimental value than anything.

“This isn’t right and I really hope that somebody can help us find who did this, we are all so disappointed. We have been here for years and nothing like this has ever happened, so it is quite worrying too but we won’t let this stop us from continuing our good work.

“If anyone has information, or are offered the items for sale, please pass that information on to the police”

Goscote Greenacres, which is based at the Goscote Centre, is an initiative for adults with disabilities and is driven by them, their carers and the wider community.

It is a partnership between Walsall Council’s Adult Social Care, Walsall Adult and Community College, North Walsall Area Partnership and others. The centre is also used by residents and school groups.

Councillor Diane Coughlan, portfolio holder for adult social care at Walsall Council, said: “It’s such a shame that someone has done this to our gardens that are much loved by many.

“I was devastated to hear someone had stolen equipment, but for this to happen in such a short space of time is heartbreaking.

“The only thing we can rely on now is hope that if anyone saw the incident happen, that they come forward and justice is done.”

A Walsall Council spokesperson said: “The council encourages anyone who was in the area and who may have seen the incident or witnessed anything suspicious to call police on 101.”

West Midlands Police spokesperson Craig Hughes said: “Police are investigating the break-ins.”