Theft is a real blow at Hospice Charity Shop
Volunteers have alerted surrounding shop owners and security personnel as well as questioned vendors before pinning up images in the change room
Volunteers have recently been left shocked at the theft taking place at the Hospice Charity Shop in Victoria Street. The volunteers and staff at the Estcourt Hospice Association as well as members of the hospice board and residents cannot wrap their heads around why anyone would want to steal from a charity shop.
Surveillance cameras in the shop helped make volunteers aware that the store is plagued with thieves who are helping themselves to donated items, mostly that of little value. Clothing is one of the common items stolen as well as small items such as ornaments.
“Culprits would enter the change room with bags and fill it with clothing or wear another layer of clothing under what they would have on when they entered the shop,” explained Adri Alborough, a volunteer at the shop.
Since the discovery of theft, other security measures have been implemented; as the cameras are not enough to deter thieves. On Wednesday, April 13, a man who is said to be dressed as a woman, entered the store and browsed a few items before putting two fairly large soft toys into a handbag and leaving the shop.
“We managed to print photographs of the culprit removing the items off the shelf where they were displayed,” said Bruce Crathorne, a volunteer at the Charity Shop.
The volunteers who work incredibly hard to raise vital funds to provide home-based care and bereavement support to patients with a life threatening illness or disability and their families, are taken aback by the theft.
Volunteers have alerted surrounding shop owners and security personnel as well as questioned vendors before pinning up images in the change room, showing the man stealing the items.
“We are beyond disgusted about this, what gets to me is that no one should be stealing from charity, regardless of what your excuse may be. To the culprits, we want to say justice will catch up to you one day, you will pay for what you are doing, even if it may not be now,” exclaimed Adri.
Volunteers are in the process of registering a case with local police. Contact the Charity Shop on 063 071 2509 or call Adri on 082 877 3384, if you have any helpful information, which will assist finding the culprit.
