Burglars steal $5000, safes, iPad, keys from Lentil as Anything, Thornbury
A popular charity restaurant has been left struggling after being hit by burglars. CCTV footage showed one masked burglar going to great lengths to make off with the loot.
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Charity workers helping those who need it most have been left devastated after a burglar raided their property in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Lentil as Anything Thornbury staff opened the store to find two safes, an iPad, mobile phones and sets of keys stolen.
More than $5000 was gone.
LENTIL AS ANYTHING ABBOTSFORD ACTS ON FREELOADERS
STINGY CUSTOMERS FORCE CLOSURE OF FOOTSCRAY LENTIL AS ANYTHING
PAY AS YOU FEEL GROCERY STORE OPENS IN THORNBURY
CCTV footage showed one masked burglar breaking into the property about 5.30am.
The thief pried open a back garage roller door and removed the two safes from a back corner of the office.
The burglar can be seen on the footage trying various methods of breaking into the safes before removing it from the room.
They also damaged various items in the charity restaurant.
Venue manager Dayle Jones said staff were “devastated” at the discovery and it would add to their struggle to stay afloat.
The restaurant is well known for its pay-as-you-feel philosophy.
“Every week we struggle to get across the line, quite often we don’t,” she said.
“We’ve got outstanding bills, invoices, we’ve got people chomping at the bit to get paid.
“People on average pay three or four dollars for a meal. I look at my chefs in the kitchen and that crushes me because of the heart and soul and love and enjoyment they put in. And they do it every day.”
Darebin detectives are investigating the crime and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed it to come forward.
Detective Senior Constable Leanne Parfett said the CCTV only showed one person but it was possible there may be others and a vehicle involved.
The garage opens into an alleyway out the back of the shop so thieves may have exited onto High St or Darebin Rd.
Ms Jones admitted the event hurt their community but they were determined to stay positive.
“We can replace lentils, we can replace the money but at the end of the day it’s about my people and my crew,” she said.
“For whatever reason (the offender) felt they needed it more. But if we could get our keys back to unlock our donation box, that would be great.”
A Facebook appeal for a spare iPad or safe attracted 560 reactions and 204 shares in just three hours.
Commenters offered their support and asked for a way to donate money to the group.
“So disappointed to read this news. You do so much good for the community. I hope the thief/thieves are caught ASAP and for a miracle return of everything stolen,” Simone Ward wrote.
Ms Jones the restaurant would still be open and staff would still wearing smiling faces.
“Come in, have a meal, have a chat. Come and spend time with us. And if you don’t know us, come in and ask,” she said.
“And if there is a locksmith out there, that would be great.”
You can donate to Lentil as Anything through their website.
Anyone with information should contact Darebin CIU at Preston Police Station on 9479 6111.
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