A charity that raises money for cancer care has been hit by a “low-act” robbery over the Christmas break.
Bloomhill, established by the Sunshine Coast community, provides care and support for people of all ages living with cancer.
To help raise funds, the charity runs 11 opportunity shops across the region.
On Wednesday, staff at its Caloundra Op Shop at 87A Bulcock Street returned from the long weekend to find it had been broken into and ransacked.
Bloomhill’s distribution centre co-ordinator, Glenn Batey, told Sunshine Coast News that the thief, or thieves, knew exactly what they were doing.
“They only took our high-end jewellery and cameras that were in display cabinets,” he said.
“We suspect they had a good idea of what we had that was of most worth and where it was … they had most likely been in the store before.”
Mr Batey said that initial checks revealed that the loss would be in the vicinity of $4500.
He said the goods, including a number of rings – one worth $650 – had been donated with proceeds to go to Bloomhill’s vital services.
“This is a low act. It happened sometime over the Christmas break and was targeted as nothing under $100 was touched.”
The items were not insured.
Police have conducted fingerprinting, taken photos of the scene and begun their investigations.
Mr Batey said it was the first major break-in at one of Bloomhill’s stores, but it had experienced theft of donated goods from storage sheds at Beerwah and one at its Buderim shed only last week.
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The Caloundra store has re-opened and the public is encouraged to shop there to support the charity.
Anyone who wants to help the organisation, can get more information by visiting bloomhill.com.au. Bloomhill is currently running its Christmas Appeal, which runs until mid January.
About the charity:
Bloomhill prides itself on its evidence-based, nurse-led model of care supported by strong relationships with primary health care providers and local hospitals. In addition to its nurse-led care, it offers a broad range of complementary therapies and allied health services which assist and support individuals, their families and their carers during what can be a very challenging and life-changing experience.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
