Thieves have broken into a Hobart clothing charity, making off with an estimated $10,000 in items specifically intended for some of Tasmania’s most disadvantaged.
The Hobart Clothing Hub discovered the break-in on Monday morning when staff arrived to find their shipping container had been forced open and ransacked.
Carol Kingshott, the hub’s general manager, told Pulse the thieves were selective about what they took.
“It was the Nike runners and quite a lot of men’s business shoes and some women’s shoes that were missing, lots of business pants, which was really quite interesting and some jackets and coats,” she said.
Around a quarter to a third of the container’s contents were stolen, items Kingshott described as the most valued by the charity’s clients.
The alleged break-in wasn’t opportunistic, she believes. The perpetrators used tools to cut through a reinforced padlock and managed to avoid security cameras.
“It was somebody who I believe would have had some knowledge of how to navigate that space,” Kingshott said.
The hub operates under Hobart City Care Works and provides free clothing to people who can’t afford op-shop prices.
Clients receive 45-minute appointments to select up to seven items, plus socks and underwear.
Kingshott said the loss would hit young people particularly hard.
“Having the appropriate clothing for them is very much a part of their identity and whether they feel like they fit in,” she said.
The organisation works with Mission Australia, Catholic Care, Salvation Army, Hobart City Mission, women’s shelters, hospitals, prisons and numerous schools across the region.
“We really pride ourselves on being able to support people to access the next stage of their journey,” Kingshott said.
“Our concern is that not having access to those things means that for some people that opportunity is no longer available.”
Kingshott said she felt deep disappointment about the theft.
“It really saddens me that the clothing will not go to those who need it most,” she said.
Tasmania Police were contacted for comment.
