Rotherham Hospice appeals to community after second charity shop 'theft'
The alleged theft comes just a day after the facility announced the closure of its Wath charity shop and Swinton Café
Rotherham Hospice is appealing to the local community after its Parkgate charity shop was targeted in an alleged organised theft – the second incident at one of its shops in just two months.
A spokesperson for the hospice said: “The incident took place yesterday (Monday, September 14), when two people entered the store and worked together to distract members of the retail team while items were taken from the shop.
“A pram and two electrical items were stolen, while a drink was also obtained using a fraudulent banknote.
The incident was captured on the shop's CCTV and we have provided the footage and information to South Yorkshire Police.
“The team has also shared details with local shoplifting groups.”
The alleged theft comes just one day after Rotherham Hospice announced the closure of its Wath charity shop and Swinton Café as part of “difficult decisions being made to protect the charity’s future.”
Mat Cottle Shaw, CEO at Rotherham Hospice, said: “We know that times are difficult for many people and that the cost of living continues to put pressure on households.
“We will always approach our community with compassion and understanding.
“But our charity shops are more than just shops.
“Every item on our rails, shelves and in our windows has been donated by someone who wants to make a difference.
“When it is sold, that generosity helps us to provide vital care and support for local people and their loved ones.
“That is why it is so disappointing to see one of our shops deliberately targeted. “What has been taken from us is not simply a pram or a couple of electrical items.
“It is money that could have helped us add more life to every day for someone facing a life-limiting condition.
“Our retail teams and volunteers work incredibly hard to make the most of every donation we receive.
“We are proud of the part our shops play in our community and we want them to remain welcoming places where people can shop, donate, volunteer and support Rotherham Hospice.
“We have clear CCTV footage of this incident and have passed it to the police. If anyone recognises the people involved or has information that could help, we would encourage them to come forward.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “We can confirm we have received the report and it is with our Force Crime Bureau, who will be in touch with the person who made the report.”