Northern Ireland

Equipment stolen and damage caused to centre used by adults with learning difficulties in Co Armagh

Damage was caused during the break-in at the Bessbrook facility. Picture by Southern Health and Social Care Trust/ Facebook
Damage was caused during the break-in at the Bessbrook facility. Picture by Southern Health and Social Care Trust/ Facebook Damage was caused during the break-in at the Bessbrook facility. Picture by Southern Health and Social Care Trust/ Facebook

EQUIPMENT has been stolen and damage caused to a centre used by adults with learning difficulties in Co Armagh.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust said the break-in happened at The ARC centre at Clogharevan Road, Bessbrook, sometime between 5pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.

The facility provides daytime opportunities for around 40 adults with a learning disability every week.

The break-in, which is being investigated by police, led to services and activities for those using the centre to be disrupted.

The trust said "extensive damage" was caused to the building and "valuable items used for therapeutic interventions" were stolen, including electrical items as well as a sum of money.

"Services at a centre providing day opportunities for adults with a learning disability have been disrupted following a break-in this week," the trust said.

"Extensive damage was done to the property as well as theft of a lot of valuable items used for therapeutic interventions.

"Everyone at The ARC near Bessbrook has been very distressed by this incident.