Burglars take £2k from Cheltenham charity
BURGLARS targeted the headquarters of a Cheltenham charity, stealing more than £2,000.
Reclaim, which distributes furniture and household items to people on low incomes from its depot at Lansdown Industrial Estate, was targeted by raiders during the early hours of yesterday morning. (Fri)
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The Reclaim shop in Lansdown Industrial Estate was broken into last night and £2,000 was stolen. Pictured is Anthony Boulton. Pic James Douglas / 26/02/10 / Echo, News Contact Craig Dixon on 07947272015.
Staff at the organisation say the crime has left them in disbelief.
Manager Craig Dickson said: "It has made me feel as sick as a pig.
"We do so much work for people on low incomes – many of whom hardly have anything – and to be violated like this is a really nasty feeling.
"It makes you wonder what kind of people would do this – smashing their way in and helping themselves to what doesn't belong to them."
Raiders broke into the premises, rifling through drawers and ripping the side off a filing cabinet containing safe boxes.
They left with £2,000 in cash, three mobile phones, satellite navigation equipment and a Kodak digital camera.
Mr Dickson said several hundred pounds of the money had been set aside to cover staff expenses.
He added: "People who work for us are all volunteers. They work for nothing and the very least we can do is cover their expenses.
"That makes it even worse really. Hopefully we will be able to reimburse them.
"We receive such great support from the local community. You never expect this kind of thing to happen."
Founded five years ago, Reclaim is a community enterprise which redistributes good quality household items, including furniture and electrical items, to people on low incomes.
Part of environmental campaign group Vision 21, the charity also aims to reduce the amount of items going to landfill.
The break-in means Reclaim has been forced to close until Tuesday, leading further losses in takings.
Police confirmed the incident had taken place between 5pm on Thursday and 9am yesterday and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
People can contact police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident 100 of February 26. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To donate goods to Reclaim, call 01242 228823.
16 Comments
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by carol, cheltenham
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 8:23PM
“I am just one of very dedicated team of volunteers at Reclaim ,we all work very hard ,and care a great deal about the people we try to help, thank you to all the people who have supported us,we appreciate the donations and the many friends that we have gained along the way ,and will continue to do the good we try to do regardless of the set back that has occured.as for the rather scathing remarks left by the few ,would you blame the victim of a theft for haveing their money on them ,no i dont think so”
by David, Gloucester
Sunday, February 28 2010, 10:17PM
“It's stupid holding that much money on site - serves them right!”
by Kay Powell, Tredworth
Sunday, February 28 2010, 9:25PM
“If you're saving up for Christmas, open a savings account at a building society or something; don't store large amounts of money in a box in an office. This definitely looks like an inside job.”
by Anon, FoD
Sunday, February 28 2010, 1:16PM
“Inside Job, why would you keep 2k in a cabinet?
I'm sure there is a place that looks after your money !!
Its called a BANK”
by Kook, Glos
Sunday, February 28 2010, 11:20AM
“..and of course, in the old days there were career criminals, who may or may not have some sort of morality about those from whom they would steal. Nowadays there are also drug addicts who are prppared to steal from charities, friends, family, parents etc in order to feed their habit.”