Familiar face suspected of breaking into Picabeen Community Centre and stealing cash

The manager of a community group robbed last night suspects it was the work of someone familiar with their set up. It is the latest in a series of attacks on the organisation.

Some of the damage caused by thieves during a break-in at Picabeen Community Centre at Mitchelton on the night of February 12.

The manager of a community group robbed last night suspects it was the work of someone familiar with their set up.

The thief or thieves stole cash from the Picabeen Community Centre (PCC), and caused more than $700 damage.

PCC manager Jillian Warren said they used bolt cutters to break in through a rear door of their Mitchelton building.

“It’s quite clear it’s someone who’s familiar with our service,” Ms Warren said.

“They’ve broken through two (internal) doors to get into the office where the money was kept.

“Nothing else has been touched. They’ve gone directly to where the money was kept, that’s what makes me think it’s someone who’s familiar with us.”

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It would cost $480 just to replace the broken glass.

It is not yet know who much money was stolen or the value of other damage, including to office equipment, but Ms Warren suspects it would be hundreds of dollars.

Two attempts were made to break into the centre last year, one just days before Christmas.

“Who knows if it’s the same person or not,” she said.

“There are desperate people. We never have a lot of money here.”

Thieves cut a security screen and broke a window to break into Picabeen Community Centre.

Picabeen received State Government funding to run its services but cannot use it for repairs.

Money for that will have to come from fund raising activities such as sausage sizzles or from donations.

“We’re not a business that’s got lots of income stream. Any funding we’ve got we’ve worked really hard for,” Ms Warren said.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious near the Hoben St premises on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning should phone Police Link on 131 444.