Appeal to return stolen Christmas decorations to charity
Supervisor Elaine Barrett, who has lived in Chepstow all her life, says she's never seen anything like it. 'We were hit three times in one week,' she said. 'They broke into the bunkers, the lock-ups, even the dumpsters. Everything was chained up, but they still got in.'
One of the stolen containers was packed with good-quality Christmas decorations, items the shop was counting on to help raise funds this December. 'We especially want the Christmas stuff back,' Elaine said. 'It's not just for us, lots of people rely on this shop for affordable decorations and gifts. We and others will be needing that stuff this Christmas.'
Despite CCTV footage, police have been unable to identify the culprits. 'Facial recognition has drawn a blank,' Elaine explained. 'No one seems to recognise the faces, so we don't think they're local.'
Now, the shop is asking the community to stay alert. 'We're asking people to keep their eyes open. If anyone knows where the stuff is, let us know. We just want it back.'
The thefts have since stopped, but the impact remains. For a small charity shop serving its community, every item counts, especially when it's meant to bring joy during the festive season.
Gwent Police said: "We received a report of theft from a storage box linked to the Mencap charity shop in Bulwark Road, Chepstow at around 1.15pm on Monday 7 July.
It is believed that on three occasions - Sunday 29 June, Wednesday 2 July and Friday 4 July between 7pm and 7.30pm, two women have taken items from the storage box.
Enquiries have been carried out to identify the women and anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101, by direct message or online, quoting log reference 2500215625."
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