A not-for-profit organisation that has helped hundreds of workers into jobs over the years has been hit by thieves for the second time in less than two months.
A Toyota LandCruiser troop carrier was stolen over the weekend from Noosa and District Landcare at Pomona, only six weeks after the organisation’s trusty old nursery ute was taken.
General manager Phil Moran said Noosa Landcare had been in the process of boosting its security.
“This type of thing happens but we’ve just got to try and make sure everything is as difficult to get into as possible,” he said.
“We’ve got vehicle trackers in five of the vehicles but not in the one that’s been stolen, so what do we do now? We’ll get the rest of them fitted with trackers.”
Mr Moran said the thief or thieves broke into the office before gaining access to the Troopy.
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He said a security system had been bought but the organisation had been unable to get a licensed installer to put it in before Christmas.
The Troopy was used to cart Landcare crews to jobs and its loss has put stress on the organisation as it kicks off the new year.
“We’ve got a new group of trainees starting next week and we used this to carry them around,” he said.
A Toyota HiLux ute stolen from the Landcare nursery early on November 20 has not been found and has cost $42,000 to replace.
Mr Moran said although Landcare had insurance there was always a shortfall, which the organisation would have to pay out of earnings for the work it carried out.
“Fortunately, for the last few years, we’ve had a modest surplus but we don’t have sums of money in the bank,” he said.
The missing 2018 troop carrier had the registration 189ZEB, and the registration number on the missing HiLux was 053JPL. Both vehicles were white with distinctive green Noosa Landcare decals on the doors.
Anyone with information should phone Policelink on 131 444, local police on 5480 1733, or Noosa and District Landcare on 5485 2468.
Mr Moran said the thefts were unusual in Pomona.
Another break-in occurred 7km away at Lost in Cooran, a small, quirky shop selling books, vintage treasures and gourmet delights, in King Street, between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Most of the array of items stolen had been recovered by Monday afternoon.
