IT'S AN OUTRAGE

19th July 2008

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Lifeline manager Andrew Armstrong is frustrated by the thefts from donation bins.

Lucy Killip and Letea Cavander

REPEATED thefts from charity bins have prompted Lifeline to install a security camera to stop offenders from regularly taking goods donated for Bundaberg's needy.

They have not stopped there either, brazenly showing pictures of the fiends in their thrift shop and posing the question "do you know these people?" to customers.

Police are angered by the offences, but can do little to stop the thefts. "People who do this have to be aware that it is stealing regardless of whether someone has abandoned the property or not," Sergeant Steve Schultz said. "If you don't own it and take possession of it, that is stealing and it's also morally wrong to steal from someone who needs it possibly more than you do."

Lifeline Bundaberg business manager Andrew Armstrong fitted security cameras to the outside of the Princess Street store in the hope of catching the thieves on film but what was captured shocked the staff. "We did not realise the problem was so bad," Lifeline Bundaberg retail manager Kylie Bailey said. "It is happening all the time every night without a doubt."

Even with hard evidence, police can do little to stop the low acts. Mr Armstrong said going to the police had been fruitless because the only charge that could be laid was petty theft. "We need to try to encourage the public to help," he said.

Mr Armstrong said the store was struggling to fill its shelves, partly because of what was being taken before staff could get to the donations. "What is really frustrating is that donations are down at the moment," he said. "There were a lot of donations on Saturday night and slowly over the weekend they have all gone."

He said security footage showed people walking past, turning a blind eye, while the thefts took place. Ms Bailey said it was a shame because many good people donate to the charity. "We get so many good people who donate, which helps fund our telephone service," she said.

St Vincent de Paul administration officer Allan Thompson said all charities had been affected by what he called an opportunistic situation.

He advised people donating large or breakable items not to leave them at charity bins after hours because that was the most likely time that they would be stolen. "The property is being placed there for a specific reason."