A HOME for disabled people in Bournemouth has been hit by burglars leaving residents "extremely shaken".

Thieves broke into the resource centre at Shaftesbury Court, in Wimborne Road, around 5.30am on Saturday, April 2.

They searched the building before taking a Wii games console and games, a DVD player and a selection of brand new DVDs which had been donated by the family of a man who had passed away only weeks earlier.

According to supported living coordinator Angela Channing the raiders also tried to steal a flat screen TV but as it was attached to the wall with brackets they were unsuccessful.

However during their attempts they managed to break the television.

Shaftesbury Court houses around 20 residents and the resource centre is used as a communal area where they can meet up and play games.

While the majority of the residents have physical disabilities many also have mental health or sensory problems, or some minor learning difficulties.

"It's just awful because these thieves have deliberately targeted some of society's most vulnerable people," said Angela.

"Everyone knows what Shaftesbury Court is and the people we care for, and yet someone has just seen us as a chance to make some quick cash.

"Unfortunately this incident has left many of our residents extremely shaken as they don't fully understand the situation."

The majority of the items stolen were donated by family members of people who lived at Shaftesbury Court but have since died.

"It's really upsetting for some of our residents because these gifts reminded them of their friends and now they are gone," added Angela.

"But the staff are also devastated by the theft as most of us have worked here since the home opened in 2005 and have worked tirelessly to raise funds to pay for things, such as the television for residents to enjoy."

According to Angela it took them two years to raise enough money to buy the TV in the resource centre and now they will have to start fundraising again from scratch.

But the home has already been the subject of generosity since news of the theft broke out.

Seven-year-old Rosie Hanna, has donated her own Wii games console to the residents as she no longer plays with it and thought they would get more enjoyment out of it.

Dorset Police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "If anyone saw any activity around the area at the time of the break-in please contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55160052426."

Anyone who would like to donate anything to Shaftesbury Court please contact Angela Channing on 01202 295180.