Police are appealing to the public not to leave donated goods outside North Haven Hospice’s Whangarei shop during the weekends as thieves have been targeting them.
The hospice shop, which is located on the corner of Robert and James Streets in the CBD, has a sign asking people not to drop off donations after hours, but many people are not taking notice and, unfortunately, thieves are taking the opportunity to drive through and pick up whatever they can find.
To stop the theft, Police and North Haven Hospice are asking people to drop off their donated goods during business hours during the week or on Saturday mornings.
Whangarei/Kaipara Area Prevention Team Constable Sharayne Moir says items such as clothing and furniture left after hours, particularly in the weekends, have disappeared by Monday.
“People come over the weekend and take what they want as they please before the hospice even gets to see what donations they have had.”
The hospice shop has good CCTV footage and thieves who have been snapped on camera have been warned for theft.
“If we catch anyone again they will be charged with theft.”
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099