Criminals breached a Helping Hands charity store in northern Melbourne and were captured on security footage stealing high-end items, including jewellery. After around an hour, the suspects exited via the back door.
Adam Volpato, a Helping Hands staff member, highlighted the theft’s impact, telling The Australian that the store was once full of valuable items intended to support individuals in need.
“I think they’ve been inside before because they went straight to our high-end, valuable items,” he said.
“Staff were very disappointed to say that someone had targeted a charity. Our whole aim for Helping Hands is to help people.”
The charity depends on the sale of donated goods to fund emergency food relief, providing meals to approximately 150 families each day. Following the incident, the store closed temporarily to allow staff to assess the damage, which is expected to affect its ability to provide support services.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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