Stolen haul replaced by supermarket
ALDI TO RESTOCK £2.5K OF NAPPIES AND SANITARY PRODUCTS DESTINED FOR NEEDY
A SUPERMARKET has vowed to replace £2,500 worth of nappies and sanitary products due to be distributed by a food bank.
They were meant for vulnerable women and families but were taken from a storage unit in Mocha Parade, Lower Broughton, Salford.
Regional managing director at Aldi, Ruth Doyle, said she was appalled to hear that their donation to tackle period poverty had been taken.
She said: “It’s important to us to help improve the lives of local people, and we refuse to stand by and let the actions of thieves stop us from doing so. This is why we’re going to replace our donation.
“We’re very proud to support Salford council and the hard work it puts into alleviating poverty in the region.”
Staff and volunteers were left in tears when they discovered thieves had broken in and cleaned out the entire unit.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “People in Salford have been appalled that anyone could sink so low as to steal goods destined for those in desperate need.
“The news that Aldi will kindly replace everything that was stolen is wonderful. They are showing the real spirit of Salford.
“What we need to do now is make the stolen goods too hot to handle.
“They are all branded Aldi items so if anyone has been or is approached to buy Aldi nappies or sanitary items and has any suspicions about their origins, please do the decent thing and report it to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
“Thieves who take from women and children in poverty do not deserve any protection or loyalty at all.”
Tom Togher, chief officer of Salford Citizen’s Advice and Salford Foodshare, said: “Period poverty is sadly a very real issue for many women on low income, with sanitary wear costing around £500 a year. They often choose to struggle with unsuitable alternatives just to put food on the table or pay bills but these items are just as essential.
“I’m very grateful to Aldi for their generosity. It will make a huge difference to local women and families.”
The council has identified new, secure storage for the donation.
The same thieves also attempted to break into a food bank located next to the unit, but couldn’t force their way inside.
The shocking theft was discovered days before the goods were due to be distributed.