Adelaide charity Puddle Jumpers robbed of Christmas gifts weeks after devastating fire
‘It’s absolutely gut-wrenching and horrible.’
A charity helping vulnerable children and families has been targeted again, with thieves accused of stealing more than $23,000 worth of donated goods from a temporary warehouse.
The theft comes just weeks after fire ripped through Puddle Jumpers’ Adelaide headquarters, leaving the organisation scrambling to continue its services.
WATCH ABOVE: Adelaide charity targeted by thieves weeks after blaze destroys headquarters
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Security cameras captured a man and woman entering Puddle Jumpers’ temporary warehouse in Brompton over three separate nights last week.
The pair returned on multiple occasions, helping themselves to donated items being stored at the site.
Among the stolen goods were 78 pairs of Nike shoes, along with Christmas gifts earmarked for children and families doing it tough.
Puddle Jumpers chief executive Melanie Tate said the theft was devastating.
“It’s absolutely gut-wrenching and horrible,” she told 7NEWS.
The warehouse was being used to store donations after the charity’s Hindmarsh headquarters was extensively damaged in a fire last month.
The blaze forced the organisation to find alternative premises while continuing to support vulnerable children and families across South Australia.
Tate said staff and volunteers were exhausted after dealing with a series of setbacks.
“We are tired, frustrated and, yeah, a little bit overwhelmed with it all, to be honest,” she said.
Police are yet to make any arrests over the Hindmarsh fire, with investigations continuing.
The latest theft has only added to the charity’s frustration as it prepares for its busiest time of year.
Tate had a blunt message for those responsible.
“My message is that you’ve not just stolen from a charity, you’ve literally stolen presents from children and families that would have had that,” she said.
Police are seeking information to identify the man and woman captured on CCTV.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Originally published on 7NEWS
