This story was originally published in November 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is counting the cost of two robberies in the space of two days.
Thieves allegedly broke into the ASRC’s Footscray headquarters about 7am on Tuesday, November 12 and again about 2am on Wednesday, November 13, damaging property and stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods and essential supplies the charity provides to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need.
“The first one was opportunistic and the second one was planned,” said ASRC founder and chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis, who believes the Tuesday robbery happened when thieves broke in through a side entrance during rubbish removal.
He said CCTV footage of the following morning’s break-in showed it was much more deliberate.
“We can see them leaving with trolley suitcases and backpacks full of stuff. You don’t just happen to have that stuff,” said Mr Karapanagiotidis of the Wednesday robbery which he and his staff found particularly upsetting.
“The first time you think maybe they don’t know they’re robbing a charity, but after the second one, you’re like, they know what they’re doing which makes you feel even worse,” he said.
“I know a lot of people are doing it tough, but you don’t rob from a charity. You shouldn’t steal from anyone, but especially not from a charity.”
Police are currently investigating both robberies which Mr Karapanagiotidis said were the first to occur at the ASRC’s Nicholson Street offices since they moved there 11 years ago.
He said while the charity’s operations hadn’t been disrupted, both staff and the families they support had been left frightened and upset.
He also said police took 11 hours to respond to the Wednesday morning robbery.
“I called them just after 4.30am and they didn’t come until 3pm,” said Mr Karapangiotidis who added that he understood police resources were stretched, but that the delay had put he and his staff at risk.
“What was hard was that we didn’t know if intruders were still in the building, so after three hours I went in with a colleague and swept the building. We had to know if anyone was there and see for ourselves.”
Police didn’t respond to questions from Star Weekly about the length of time it took them to arrive at the scene, though Mr Karapanagiotidis said once police did arrive, their response was excellent.
He said he and his staff would respond with compassion not anger, but asked those responsible to think about the consequences of what they’d done.
“I need you to reflect on the harm you’ve done to a charity. You’ll hurt families who are doing it tough just like you might be.”
To donate: https://donate.asrc.org.au/donate
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
