POLICE ARE DETERMINED TO FIND THE 'BEYOND LOW' FOOD BANK THIEVES WHO STOLE MUCH NEEDED NAPPIES AND SANITARY PRODUCTS

Police have been made aware that between Tuesday 14 August 2018 and Friday 17 August 2018 there had been a break-in at Scene, the Salford Food Bank on Mocha Parade.

It was reported that thieves had stolen over £2,000 worth of groceries from six pallets, mainly containing nappies from the Aldi brand Mamia, and sanitary products set for people who use the food bank.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.

Superintendent Howard Millington from GMP’s Salford borough said:

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“I have been a police officer for many years, and regularly think that I’ve seen it all. The theft of nappies from a food banks though, that is beyond low and has shocked even the most unshockable of police officers.

“This food bank is there for the community when they need it most, and many of the items donated come from people within that same community.

“In Salford we look out for each other, and sadly we are all victims of this robbery.

“We have already had people come forward with information to try and help us with our investigation, we are very grateful for this and hope it continues.

“We are determined to find those responsible for this inexcusable crime, so anyone with any information is asked to call police as soon as possible.”

Yesterday (20 August) City Mayor Paul Dennett slammed the ‘despicable’ thieves who broke into a Salford food bank to take nearly £2,500 worth of sanitary products and nappies donated for local women and children.

The items had been donated by the Aldi supermarket to help women on low incomes facing monthly period poverty.

They were due to be distributed today but staff and volunteers found the Mocha Parade storage unit in Lower Broughton had been broken into and cleaned out. The thieves had also tried to break into the nearby food bank but failed to gain entry.

Mayor Dennett said he was both furious and heartbroken at the news.

He said:

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“This is one of the most despicable thefts I have ever come across. Those responsible must have known the items were there and planned this theft because we believe they used a van to carry away their haul.

“It beggars belief that people would sink so low as to steal from a food bank knowing those items are for people who are in desperate need.  To also steal sanitary pads, tampons and nappies donated to help women and children struggling to maintain their personal hygiene and dignity shows these people have no conscience.

“Sanitary goods and nappies are not luxury items and are expensive for everyone, let alone families in dire poverty. Aldi’s generous donation would have meant a great deal to people on the breadline who will now have to continue struggling.

“If anyone has any information about the theft or is offered Aldi nappies or sanitary products and have any suspicions that they may be stolen please report it to the police. You can do it completely anonymously via Crimestoppers but please speak up. Don’t let these people get away with this appalling crime.”

Chief Officer Tom Togher, from Salford Citizen’s Advice which helped secure the donation, said staff burst into tears when they heard the news.

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“People who come to the foodbank often tell us they have not eaten in three days,. They are absolutely on the breadline and if they can’t afford food they can’t afford nappies and sanitary products," he said.

“This generous donation would have eased the pressure on hundreds of women and families across the city. We are just stunned that anyone could sink so low as to steal from a foodbank.”

Salford City Council  is arranging new, more secure storage for the food bank  and has set up a collection point at the Civic Centre for anyone who wants to help replace some of the stolen items.

Items can be donated anytime between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The crime has been reported to the police. 

If you are offered any of these items, do the right thing and contact the police, this surely has to be one a new low for Salfords Criminals and they have targeted a charity that serves the most in need section of society.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 1319, alternatively call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Photo:  Deputy City Mayor Councillor Paula Boshell and Gemma Griffin of Salford Citizen's Advice with the donated goods before they were stolen.