NEEDY Wyndham residents could find it harder to get help after two charity shops were targeted by thieves.
St Vincent de Paul stores in Hoppers Crossing were broken into between July 15 and 25. Wall-mounted safes were stolen from the Heaths Road and Costa Drive stores.
Vinnies area support manager Chris Haswell said the break-ins were a “low” act.
“It is disappointing because we are a not-for-profit organisation,” he said. “Any money we make is passed on to the local community to support people in need.”
Mr Haswell said Vinnies had noticed an increase in people looking for financial support and food parcels in Wyndham in recent months.
He said money inside the stolen safes would have been used for food and emergency payments.
“People are depending on us to get by. Some of the support we offer is ongoing for some people.It is shocking that someone would stoop so low.”
Mr Haswell said volunteers were devastated by the break-ins and wanted thieves to know that charities were not easy targets. Security has been upgraded at both stores.
Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
