Two thefts have upset the volunteers from Clifton Community Food Garden (CCFG) but their commitment to help local people remains firm.
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The most recent recent theft, at the group’s Clifton Street base in Sanctuary Point, was on January 11 and upset all community garden members and their supporters.
CCFG treasurer John Kelly said the second theft was different to the first.
“They took silly little things like a little $20 barbecue, plastic wine glasses and a kettle,” he said.
The thieves also took the contents of the first aid box.
CCFG vice president Wendy Parkinson said the group’s seeds, which were all catalogued and in two boxes, were also stolen.
“It’s is very disappointing because we are all volunteers and we hunt around the place to find all sorts of things that are free or don’t cost that much and we do things on a shoestring budget,” she said.
“The thefts may not seem a lot too many people but to us it’s a lot.”
Mr Kelly said the thefts were wrong.
“It’s quite devastating to us really because so many people have done so much for us and we try to do as much as we can for the community,” Mr Kelly said.
The group hopes its generous contact from Yates Seeds will replace the stolen seeds.
The day the theft was discovered the garden volunteers were getting ready to take part in a community event.
A hole in the back fence could be where the thieves, under the cover of darkness, broke into the premises.
Both thefts have been reported to the police and officers attended to gather evidence.
People with information on thefts can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Shoalhaven Police on 4421 9699.
The group will be installing security cameras around its premises and like many others, supports to moves to get a 24-hour police station in or closer to Sanctuary Point.
The first theft, last year, looked to be better planned than the second and thieves went looking for things they could sell.
During the first theft locks were cut with bolt cutters on a shipping container and a shed.
A small fire extinguisher was stolen in the first theft.
Meanwhile, the group gives away its excess produce, like healthy vegetables, to the community members.
“Part of our agenda from day one was as soon as we have anything extra was to give it away,” Mr Kelly said
Anybody can join the group and take part in a healthy physical and social actiivty and go to www.cliftongarden.org for more information.