Thieves target Reverse Garbage reuse centre for second time

POLICE are appealing for information after the Reverse Garbage reuse centre in Marrickville was robbed for the second time.

Reverse Garbage creative director Kirsten Junor and Fiona Arnold. Picture: AAP IMAGE/Flavio Brancaleone

• Plea for classrooms return
• Clearways to reduce traffic

POLICE are appealing for information after the Reverse Garbage reuse centre in Marrickville was robbed for the second time.

Staff arrived last Sunday morning to find the back door had been kicked in and the office in disarray.

Reverse Garbage creative director Kirsten Junor said three iPads and a “couple of days takings” were stolen — a huge financial blow to the not-for-profit centre.

The Addison Rd warehouse helps reduce industrial waste by encouraging people to think creatively about how they can re-use materials and adapt them for another purpose instead of buying new.

One example is how lidless, plastic bottles discarded by the manufacturing industry get a new lease on life as lanterns.

IN OTHER NEWS

The centre has become a treasure-trove for students, the film, television and theatre industries and early childhood providers.

Ms Junor said the iPads had enabled them to record and quantify how much waste they were diverting from landfill.

About a year ago, thieves stole drills and power tools, which they were also heavily reliant on.

“They are really stealing from the community who give us so much support,” Ms Junor said. “We are such a great resource for diverse sectors of the community and so I feel they have really let the community down. We survive on donations.”

Inspector Mick Dykes said police were investigating.

“If anyone has information that could assist in our investigation, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”