Rockhampton charity suffers repeated break-ins over two year period

Brash burglars and callous customers have been stealing from a Central Qld charity bin for more than two years - and the co-founder has no idea why. WATCH THE CCTV

After two years of weekly donation bin burglaries, the 76-year-old disheartened co-founder of Rockhampton charity Care and Share is speaking out.

“Why do people steal from a charity? It’s the biggest question we are all asking,” Roylene Robinson said.

“If people are stealing because they need it, all they have to do is come and ask.”

Mrs Robinson said some of the burglars - who have also stolen her and volunteers’ bikes - are even customers.

The not-for-profit organisation, which provides essentials like food, clothing and furniture to people in need across the Rockhampton region, said the robberies have been constant and indiscriminate.

“This has been happening three to four times per week for the last two years,” Mrs Robinson said.

“They take what they want, then sort it all by the tree out the back and leave a terrible mess.

“We have found stuff under the bridge and have to go and clean it up, too.”

A discouraged Mrs Robinson said thieves seem to take stuff that they can sell.

“We even have customers stealing from out the front on open days,” she said.

“It’s just disheartening.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward and contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Rockhampton charity suffers repeated break-ins over two year period