Latest news with #ElaineBarrett
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Charity shop hit by string of break-ins - and thieves even took Christmas decorations
STAFF at the Mencap charity shop on Bulwark Road in Chepstow, are appealing to the public after a series of break-ins left them short of vital stock, including a full container of Christmas decorations. The shop, which supports people with learning disabilities, relies on donations and sells items from a small storefront. Because space is limited, staff use outdoor bunkers and annex storage to hold overflow stock. But three weeks ago, those bunkers were targeted in a string of thefts, after the locks and chains were broken. 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.' Read more Police renew appeal for missing south Wales woman on anniversary of her disappearance CCTV network outages sparks safety concerns in Newport city centre 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."
South Wales Argus
09-08-2025
- South Wales Argus
Appeal to return stolen Christmas decorations to charity
The shop, which supports people with learning disabilities, relies on donations and sells items from a small storefront. Because space is limited, staff use outdoor bunkers and annex storage to hold overflow stock. But three weeks ago, those bunkers were targeted in a string of thefts, after the locks and chains were broken. 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."
South Wales Argus
08-08-2025
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow charity shop has stock stolen in brazen raids
The shop, which supports people with learning disabilities, relies on donations and sells items from a small storefront. With limited space inside, staff use outdoor bunkers and annex storage to hold overflow stock. But three weeks ago, those storage areas were targeted in a string of thefts. Supervisor Elaine Barrett, a lifelong Chepstow resident, 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.' Among the stolen items was a container packed with good-quality Christmas decorations, stock the shop was counting on to help raise funds and spread cheer this December. Elaine said: 'We especially want the Christmas stuff back. 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. No one seems to recognise the faces, so we don't think they're local,' Elaine explained. 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, for the community and for the charity,' Elaine said. Elaine said she is disappointed that anyone would target a charity shop and said the thefts made a big impact on operations: 'For a small charity shop serving its community, every item counts, especially when it's meant to bring joy during the festive season.' Anyone with information about the raids should contact Gwent Police on 101.
