£30k wrecking spree at care home for dementia sufferers
By News Scotland
THIEVES went on a £30,000 wrecking spree at the site of a new care home for dementia sufferers. The gang ripped out all 31 radiators at a former council social work building awaiting a makeover.
They hacked through walls with an axe to get at copper piping and smashed through the ceiling so they could reach steel boilers.
The thugs even stole a disabled toilet, two sinks, an electric hob and a dishwasher from the building at Bow Farm in Greenock.
Work was due to start on Alzheimer Scotland’s care home on Monday.
Their property manager John McLean discovered the theft when he went to meet builders there on Wednesday.
He said: “What good is a stolen disabled toilet to anyone?
“It’s the worst damage I’ve seen in the 40 years I’ve been in property maintenance.
“I was standing there almost in tears when I saw it.
“I have never known anyone breaking into a place where a charity is bringing a service to help ill people in the community.
“It’s wanton destruction – it’s bad enough stealing stuff from a charity, but destroying the structure of the building in the process is despicable.”
Greenock police appealed for anyone with information to call them or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.