Two men have been charged over a burglary that saw $11,000 worth of essential cold weather gear stolen from a Salvation Army storeroom in New Town.
The break-in, between September 17 and 18, targeted camping equipment set aside for Hobart’s rough sleepers, including tents, sleeping bags, thermal underwear and swags.
Detectives from South East CIB today arrested a 24-year-old man and a 55-year-old man, both from New Town, over the incident.
They have been charged with burglary, stealing and unlawful possession of property and will face the Hobart Magistrates Court in February.
The theft was a major blow to the Salvos’ Street to Home program, which supplies vital survival gear to people sleeping rough.
Most of the stolen items had been donated to the program, which receives no government funding.
Staff said at the time that the break-in appeared targeted rather than random, with thieves likely using a vehicle to shift the large haul.
Police say a significant amount of the stolen property is still missing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or provide details anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
