Thieves trash rooms at Overgate Hospice in Halifax

The hospice was targeted by thieves over the weekend. Credit: Overgate Hospice

Staff at a hospice say they were left in "shock" after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of items during an early hours break-in.

The burglars smashed windows to get into Overgate Hospice in Elland, Halifax, at around 4am on Sunday 5 January.

After breaking into one of the buildings, they forced their way into counselling pods used by bereaved relatives. Windows were smashed and items left strewn across rooms.

The thieves made off with computers, a large screen television, a kettle and bottles of alcohol.

Nurses working the night shift spotted the criminals on CCTV and called police. They then stood beside patients' beds to offer protection until officers arrived.

Hospice chief executive Tracey Wilcocks said: "We are all in absolute shock. We know times are tough, but to knowingly break into and steal from a hospice is beyond belief.

"There's nothing that can excuse this awful crime and the emotional impact it has on our patients, staff and volunteers.

“Some of our patients are currently receiving end of life care and for the nursing team to be taken away from providing that care in order to think of ways to protect them and contact the police is just not acceptable."

The break-in comes at the start of a year when the hospice begin work on a brand new £12.75m development to increase the number of people they can support with end of life care.

In a Facebook post, the hospice said: "We can't put into words how scared our staff were as they watched the chaos unfold before their eyes, but we are so proud of their bravery and dedication to those in our care.

"We are devastated by the damage caused to these beautiful spaces, not to mention the feeling of safety our staff and patients deserve."

Counselling services were disrupted by the break-in, but the care for hospice patients was not affected.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the police.

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