'Quite sad': Christchurch food bank targeted by thieves just day before Christmas

Volunteers told ITV Meridian about the impact the theft has had on the foodbank.

Volunteers at a foodbank in Dorset have said they are 'very sad' after burglars stole food that was going to be given to families this Christmas.

More than a thousand pounds worth of items were taken from Christchurch foodbank on Saturday night by two thieves, who used the sites bins to get away with food parcels, hampers and turkey dinners.

The site helps around 15,000 people every year and has been in the town for the past 12 years. It is run entirely by volunteers.

Following the incident the local community rallied around and within a few hours, more food had been donated than had been stolen, in what volunteers said is an overwhelming act of kindness.

Sarah Lyon, the deputy manager at the site, told ITV Meridian the response from the community has been amazing.

She said: "It's been very emotional because the whole community have pulled together, and we've had [so many] donations, people phoning saying they are going to send money."

Donations have come from as far as Australia, with people sending money via bank transfer so that replacement items can be bought.

People who live locally have also been turning up in their droves, helping to replace what was taken.

Tracey Blick, the Projects Manager, told ITV Meridian she was couldn't believe the response from the community. She said: "I'm not going to let them steal my joy because we bring so much joy to so many people at Christmas, and I'm not going to let one person spoil that and actually the community has been so wonderful.

"Over the weekend we've been inundated with probably more than we had stolen, it's wonderful because the community feels this is their food-bank and for Sarah and I it's really tough.

"We work really hard and our sixty-one volunteers, they work really hard to help other people."

Dorset Police confirmed an investigation underway and is appealing for anyone with information to contact officers.

A spokesperson said: "We received a report of a break-in that occurred at a church food bank in Chapel Lane in Christchurch that occurred between 9.30pm on Saturday 14 December and 11am on Sunday 15 December 2024.

"It was reported that items of food worth more than £1,000 had been stolen.

"Officers are carrying out detailed enquiries, including a review of CCTV, and our investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time."

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