Coburg animal welfare charity suffering string of break ins by thieves

A Coburg charity dedicated to helping pets to find forever homes has been targeted in a “cruel” string of break-ins.

An animal welfare charity in Melbourne’s north is being targeted by thieves having been broken into three times in a week.

Coburg’s Project Underdog Rescue, a not-for-profit first launched in 2015 but has only been at the present location for the past year.

The charity’s founder and director, Eva Giuretis, said neighbouring businesses hadn’t encountered problems with break-ins before.

“We spoke with a neighbour two doors down who has been there for 10 years and has never had an issue before,” she said.

“Everyone's a little bit shocked and rattled by it.”

The offenders broke into the Sydney Rd property by jumping the fence or climbing onto the roof and attempted to access the charity’s storage units on March 30 and April 4.

Project Underdog Rescue had a series of break in incidents over a week period. (Picture: Project Underdog Rescue)

The organisation support the community by helping abandoned or surrendered cats and dogs, placing them in foster homes and facilitating adoptions to avoid unnecessary euthanasia in pounds.

Its workforce is made up of volunteers who are passionate about caring for animals.

Ms Giuretis said the property had been broken into by people jumping fences or even climbing onto the roof, captured with the organisation’s CCTV cameras, but she was confused as to why it was happening.

“It’s not making sense, they’re all different people, the police haven’t given us much information but they haven’t caught anyone.”

Luckily, she said she believed nothing of value had been stolen.

The charity rehome cats and dogs through fostering and adoption programs. (Picture: Project Underdog Rescue)

The organisation has reached out to the community for assistance in identifying the people recorded on CCTV and for donations to help improve their security.

“Funding is obviously difficult for us … hopefully, someone is able to help us somehow improve the security in some way,” Ms Giuretis said.

“I'm also open to any help that we can get really.

“It just seems cruel and heartbreaking to break into a place that’s trying to help people and animals.”

You can donate to Project Underdog Rescue here.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au