LOCALS are being urged to only donate to the Gunnedah Salvation Army during business hours following a recent spate of thefts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In recent weeks, items such as beds, furniture and clothes that have been left by the public for the purposes of donation to the charity have been stolen.
Gunnedah Salvation Army captain Richard Day told The Namoi Valley Independent he believed the thefts had been opportunistic.
“Obviously it is very disappointing when items that are intended to be donations to those less fortunate are taken,” he said. “It appears that they are very much opportunistic thefts which is very disappointing.”
Captain Day said people leaving donations overnight presented several risks as well as theft.
“As well as being at a risk of being stolen, overnight donations present a real safety hazard as well,” he said.
“Sometimes there is a lot of stuff left out overnight which could potentially be dangerous to the public and also can be a prompt for people to illegally dump rubbish there as well.
“It goes without saying that we are extremely grateful for all of the donations we receive from the community but anything left for us overnight is starting to become an issue for a variety of reasons.”
See Also:
The long-time Salvation Army member said the group is taking preventative measures.
“People donate to us expecting that it goes to the community and those who really need it,” he said.
“We have had signs up in the past to try and deter this sort of stuff and along with CCTV we will be looking at ways to try and stop this from happening going forward.”
Oxley Police Inspector Michael Wurth said the behaviour had serious consequences.
“As police we have described the thefts as despicable and heartless,” Inspector Wurth said.
“The taking of donated goods is not only an offence but it is also denying the most vulnerable in our community of essential items including warm clothing.”
Captain Day said he hoped by donating during business hours, the community would see their donations go to those who need them.
“As I’ve said we are extremely grateful for any donations we receive from our community,” he said.
“Our volunteers process all donations and sort them out for sale with all proceeds going back into the charity.
“For anyone looking to donate, we encourage you to come see us here during business hours and any of our volunteers will be happy to help.”
Police are continuing to investigate the thefts of donations.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Gunnedah Police Station on 6742 9099.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
