Attack on Newcastle charity base criticised

Attack on Newcastle charity base criticised

23 May 2012 - by David Telford

THERE has been widespread condemnation of burglars who went on a wrecking spree at Autism NI’s offices in Newcastle last Friday.

The day care centre at the Bryansford Road was targeted during the early hours when a number of windows were broken, a sum of money stolen and graffiti sprayed over the interior of the building.

Cabinets containing medication and medical records were broken into while a mini bus was also stolen. A window in a second minibus was smashed.

More than 20 people who use the Newcastle facility had to stay at home last Friday as a result of the incident which has been condemned by charity officials and local politicians.

The alarm was raised by night staff working in another part of the building who saw someone wearing a fluorescent jacket driving the vehicle out of the grounds at the Bryansford Road around 7.3oam. The minibus was later discovered in Lurgan.

Autism Initiatives director Alan Hanna described what happened as “really devastating,” explaining it is disruptive to users who love the service and the routine.

He said for people with autism, this is very important.

Mr. Hanna said the Newcastle incident is a “terrible distraction” to the charity’s work and potentially harmful, but it would do its best to soldier on.

He added: “What happened was frightening for our staff and some of the people who live on site. We will incur extra costs through putting in a better alarm system for the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Newcastle councillors Carmel O’Boyle and Patrick Clarke have condemned the attack.

Councillor O’Boyle said it was “wanton vandalism and a deliberate attack on a organisation that provides vital support for people with disabilities in the community.”

The local politician said the incident came a week after the charity’s first street collection in Newcastle.

Councillor O’Boyle continued: “This attack on a day care facility means service-users have been deprived of the professional support they receive from Autism Initiatives NI. Their families and carers have been denied the respite care they receive.

Councillor Clarke said it is “utterly shameful and deplorable” that burglars should target a charity that provides important day-care support to people with special needs in the community.

• A man appeared in court in Newtownards on Monday morning in connection with the break in and damage at the Newcastle centre.