VOLUNTEERS at the PWP Op Shop in Upper Ferntree Gully have slammed the thieves who broke into their store last week, labelling the act “disgusting”.
The shop was broken into last Monday night, and while nothing significant was taken, volunteer Jenine Lancashire said it was a very low thing to do.
“I find it incredulous that someone would actually break in to an op shop to rob it,” she said.
“They took off with the cash register but we didn’t have much cash in it.”
Money raised by the op shop supports eight emergency units for single parents with children.
The break-in has since been reported to police.
Ms Lancashire said the op shop was also having trouble with illegal dumping.
She said people were leaving their furniture and mattresses, which the shop wasn’t allowed to sell.
“Because we can’t sell it, we have to have someone to remove it and then we have to pay removal fees,” she said.
“We’re such a good charity and the money goes to a good cause, but the costs incurred to raise the money are outweighed by rubbish.”
She said in the last fortnight, they had had to empty their dumper more than seven times.
She urged people to double check what they could and could not donate.
Anyone with information about the op shop break-in is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
