Christmas Grinches steal $10k of equipment from Labrador Community Garden

It’s believed offenders who raided the Labrador Community Garden switched off security cameras and used wheelbarrows to cart the stolen goods away.

Thieves stole $10,000 worth of donated equipment during an “invasion” of a Gold Coast community garden just days out from Christmas.

Labrador Community Garden members found the fence cut and locks hacked off sheds when they visited the site on Sunday morning.

They believe the offenders switched off security cameras and used wheelbarrows to cart the stolen goods away.

Garden project officer Brann Russell discovered the theft when he arrived at the site to prepare items for the community garden’s Bunnings sausage sizzle.

Project officer Brann Russell, president Vicky Goodrich and Bonney MP Sam O'Connor at the Labrador Community Garden following the theft. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The stolen whipper snippers, wheelbarrows, power tools and equipment were paid for by funds raised at the sausage sizzle and donations.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor described those responsible for the raid as “grubs”.

“It’s disgraceful, just before Christmas as well,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It’s not so much about the stolen items. It’s the fact that this is a sanctuary for everyone who is a member.

“This is their special place and these people have come in the dead of the night and violated it.”

Members believe thieves used wheelbarrows to cart away the stolen items.

Mr Russell said the equipment had taken years to source.

“It feels like an invasion, it really does,” he said.

Several people have since thrown their support behind the community garden.

One man donated $140 during Sunday’s sausage sizzle and another resident offered to fix the broken fence for free.

The theft has been reported to police.

Labrador Community Garden president Vicky Goodrich started the initiative 12 years ago after a discussion with her father, who passed away before the garden opened.

Labrador Community Garden president Vicky Goodrich, with Merrill Hughes and Wendy Nicholas. Picture: David Clark

The garden offers members social connection and the opportunity to grow plants, fruit and vegetables if they don’t have a garden of their own.

“The fees we charge don’t cover much of anything. It’s $30 a year,” Ms Goodrich said.

“We have a get together every Wednesday afternoon and that’s a time for people to come and catch up or just exchange ideas.

“It is a community-based initiative and 99 per cent of the people that are here participate in either the car boot sale or the sausage sizzle - because they’re our main source of income.”

Those wanting to donate or support the community garden can email: [e-mail]

Anyone with information for police should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.

Originally published as Christmas Grinches steal $10k of equipment from Labrador Community Garden