By Benjamin Millar
Computer equipment valued at thousands of dollars has been stolen from a Yarraville charity that provides food relief for people most in need.
Thieves broke into Foodbank Victoria’s warehouse last Sunday night, stealing a dozen computers vital to the charity’s distribution of food.
The theft occurred between 6pm on Sunday, March 22, and 7am the next day.
The thieves made away with 12 Toshiba, Hp Compaq, ASUS and Acer laptops valued about $8000.
Acting chief executive Chris Scott said the stolen laptops were used by staff and volunteers to manage the delivery of nearly 140,000 kilograms of food to families around the state each week.
“It’s very unfortunate – they were used for doing inventory and stock control,” he said.
“I don’t know whether the thieves knew what we do here. If anything, it looks like it was just an opportunistic break-in.”
Foodbank Victoria has provided more than 10 million meals to people in need this financial year.
Computers play a critical role in keeping track of Foodbank Victoria’s Yarraville warehouse, which can house almost two million kilograms of food.
Mr Scott said that as well as needing to replace the computer equipment, the charity was being forced to spend thousands of extra dollars beefing up security.
He is imploring anyone with knowledge of the theft to come forward with information. He said the charity would gratefully welcome the donation of any laptops or funds via www.foodbankvictoria.org.au.
