Thieves target hospice and steal equipment worth £2,500

Thieves broke into two storage sheds at Saint Francis Hospice and stole gardening equipment and electrical power tools worth £2,500.  

The burglary took place in the hospice grounds at Havering-atte-Bower in May and is currently being investigated by police.

“It is really sad that someone would target a charity,” said Chris Franklin, Head of Support Services at Saint Francis Hospice. 

“We are unable to carry out remedial work at the hospice because some off the essential power tools were stolen. 

“We have also just invested in some new garden equipment that was taken and our lawn mowers were only a year old.   

“Our award-winning gardens are an important part of what makes the hospice such a special place. They are a space for everyone, and they help people find peace and tranquillity, especially patients and families who love to spend time in the gardens.   

“The volunteers have been amazing, and they have been bringing their own equipment so they can continue to maintain the grounds.   

“It has taken us a while to get the gardens up to their usual standard. During covid, some of our volunteers were shielding and there were staff shortages.  

“The volunteers work extremely hard to maintain the gardens to such a high standard, but it takes a lot of work, and the theft of the equipment has set us back.