CLOTHES BANK ROBBERS
Callous thieves target charity clothing bins
Sick thieves are stealing from charities by targeting clothes banks in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Rutherglen Police have confirmed they are aware of at least two incidents in the past six weeks where clothes have been stolen from the banks.
These occurred at the Tesco stores in Dalmarnock Road and on Stonelaw Road in Burnside.
The clothing within the banks were donated anonymously and was to be used by the charities to make a difference to the poor.
An authorised company empties the clothing banks
on a regular basis by an authorised company.
However, on two occasions the driver opened the facility to find the locks had been removed and the banks had been emptied by thieves.
Rutherglen Police are now appealing for the public to be vigilant if they see people acting suspiciously at clothing banks.
They are also warning people donating clothes to not leave bags lying beside the banks if it is jammed by a duvet cover or other means as this is one method used by thieves to obtain clothing.
Instead, residents are being urged to use a different clothes bank or go back at a different time.
PC Richard Samson of Rutherglen Police said “We are appealing for help from the people in our communities to notify us if they suspect that these clothing banks are being illegally emptied or interfered with.
“Please call us on 101 and report immediately. We will be contacting the relevant companies involved to discuss the improvement of security measures around these banks and how we can combat this issue”.
The Salvation Army operate a clothes bank at the Tesco in Burnside.
They said they were unaware of any incident but Tony Hosking, Head of Clothing Collection, The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd, added: “Our large network includes over 6,500 clothing banks across the UK and theft is thankfully a rare issue for us.
“We have not had any incidents reported to us in the town but it’s nonetheless disappointing to hear that clothing banks in the Cambuslang area are being targeted by thieves given the generosity of the public who donate their items to help the highly valued work of The Salvation Army.
“It is important that our partners and the public are reassured of the safety and security of our clothing banks; our specialist security partner, Crime Deter, helps provides intelligenceled security solutions, specialist equipment and works closely with the police to help catch those responsible.”
James Kelly MSP was disgusted at the crimes, saying: “It’s pretty despicable behaviour that people are prepared to break into clothes banks which have been set up to help the needy in the area.
“I hope the police are able to track down the people who are carrying this out and bring them to justice. I urge the public to co-operate with the police on this matter.”
The two known incidents occurred on September 24 at the Tesco on Dalmarnock Road and October 2 at the Tesco in Stonelaw Road.
Police are appealing for witnesses to anyone who might have seen this happen, may have noted vehicle details or who can provide further information regarding this matter to contact us on 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.