Chip shop theft ‘a kick in the teeth’ for owner
A CHIP shop owner handing out free hot meals to struggling families during the pandemic has been left devastated after funds were stolen.
Manager of Seaham Chippy Michelle Gray said over £100 was stolen from her purse on Tuesday while she was creating free food hampers for families in need on Monday.
The County Durham takeaway launched the free meals scheme after Michelle saw a woman’s post on Facebook where she said she was struggling to buy food.
But the theft of the money will have an impact on funding the meals and her own finances, Michelle said.
She explained: “It’s a kick in the teeth because I’ve advertised for people to come into the shop and said we’ll help them.
“I’ve had a tough time over the past two months, but after starting the free meals scheme I felt like I was getting back to my usual self.
“The money that was taken: some of it was charity money, some of it was everyday money for bills and then some was for my girl’s birthday, and that’s money that I’ve saved. I work hard and it annoyed me that they felt they had the right to take what they wanted and didn’t give a thought that I might have children or what the circumstances are.”
Michelle, 31, has expanded the hot meals service by donating hampers with essential foods including cheese, milk, potatoes, tins of beans, eggs and butter to further support families.
Daily medication which Michelle relies on was also stolen in the theft, and an online fundraiser aimed at reimbursing the stolen funds raised more than £100 within 24 hours.
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We were called to reports of a burglary at Seaham Chippy, in South Railway Street, Seaham, at around 9pm March 2.
“A man is believed to have entered the rear of the property through an insecure door and took cash and medication from a staff member’s purse. The suspect is believed to have been wearing a black coat, trainers, jogger bottoms and a baseball cap. Inquiries are ongoing.”