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Police go extra mile after burglars steal from disabled girl, 7
GAME ON: PCSO Carl Longbotton and PC Chris Schofield present Tina Walker and her disabled granddaughter Amber Lee with a new Xbox console and games.
Big-hearted police stepped in to help after burglars left a severely disabled seven-year-old girl devastated.
Raiders stole Amber Lee’s Xbox console and her favourite games during a raid on her home in Eastmoor, Wakefield.
Amber Lee, who cannot speak and suffers from autism, was born with rare genetic disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome, which has left her with severe learning and physical difficulties.
She lives with her grandmother and full-time carer Tina Walker, 39, who cannot afford house insurance.
Police officer Carl Longbottom was touched by the family’s plight while carrying out enquiries after the burglary on January 20.
He said: “Amber was really upset and it tugged at my heartstrings. My four-year-old son Ryan suffers from severe epilepsy. I know how hard it can be when children are upset and I could empathise with the family.”
PCSO Longbottom asked colleague PC Chris Schofield to help and he called the editor of Xbox World magazine.
The magazine put PC Schofield in touch with a well-known retail giant. They immediately sent Amber Lee a brand new Xbox and a clutch of games.
Amber’s grandmother Mrs Walker said: “Amber knew her Xbox had gone and I was upset and angry. Everybody knows Amber where we live. How could they could steal from her?”
Mrs Walker added: “The first officers that arrived were thorough and did their job well. I felt at ease and not a victim but a person. He knew about my crime and had all the details to hand.
“His visit has made the whole experience a bit more bearable and his actions on his visit and since then I really feel have gone above and beyond all my expectations.
She added: “For them to then come and give us the Xbox – I am blown away by that. They have gone above and beyond.”
Insp Richard Close, of Wakefield Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “In many cases our contact with the public is not always in the best of circumstances.
“I am pleased to hear that the actions of my officers helped Mrs Walker deal with her experience.”
Also stolen during the burglary was a Sony PS3 and a laptop.
Contact Wakefield Central NPT with information on 101.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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