STAFF at a Wirral garden centre run by a charity dedicated to supporting those with autism have spoken of the "devastation" caused after it was broken in to for the second time in as many weeks.

Thieves have twice targeted Bromborough Pool Garden Centre - run by Autism Together, the former Wirral Autistic Society - leaving thousands of pounds of damage and traumatising the vulnerable people who work there.

Garden equipment was destroyed, office furniture trashed and a safe was ripped off the wall in the shocking overnight raids which have left many of those who work at the staff feeling anxious.

Autism Together’s Lex Freeman, who runs the garden centre, said: “I’m up the wall. These burglars have stolen from us and also needlessly vandalised our furniture. The burglars plundered storage sheds containing garden equipment such as strimmers and hedge-cutters.”

Lex added: “More importantly, they have destroyed the peace of mind of some very vulnerable people with autism who have work placements here. Several of our service users have become extremely anxious and are worried that their own residences are going to be targeted during the night.”

Established in 1992, Bromborough Pool Garden Centre - formerly Raby Hall Garden Centre - provides opportunities for adults with autism as part of Autism Together.

Seventeen people with autism are currently involved in running the garden centre, gift shop, café and spin-off landscaping business.

Some of the items stolen are irreplaceable and include money staff at the centre raised during their recent Macmillan Coffee Morning, as well as staff deposits for a Christmas night out at the Bromborough Village Hotel.

The theft has left them unable to pay their deposit in time and they have now lost their chance for a party at the local hotel.

One team member had also been selling her own hand-made greeting cards to help raise money for a licence which would have allowed a radio to be played in the café – all of this money has also been stolen.

Lex said: “We’re aware of a spate of burglaries in Bromborough Pool Village – sheds and cars have been targeted. Here at the garden centre, we’ve beefed up our security considerably.”

A neighbourhood watch committee has been established in the area, with the garden centre’s café offered as a regular meeting point.

  • Anyone who would like to find out more about the neighbourhood watch scheme can contact the garden centre on 0151 643 1359.
     
  • Anyone with information about the break ins should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.