TISDALE — A stereo system and multiple bags of clothes are among the things stolen in multiple break and enters into the Salvation Army shed at Tisdale over the past two months.
The first theft occurred on Nov. 2, with the shed lock latch being ripped off.
“It started off with the first couple incidents where it was a couple weeks apart but then it got really bad over the Christmas holidays because we were closed for ten days,” said Susan Wilson, Tisdale Salvation Army supervisor. “Even during the day somebody broke the lock.”
Wilson said staff proceeded to reinforce the shed on both the inside and outside, only to have a saw be used to break into it.
“They sawed the latch in-half because they couldn’t rip it off anymore.”
While the shed has been there for 11 years, these incidents have been the first time Wilson can recall it has broken into.
“It has become a regular thing all the time now.”
Cpt. Rick Robins, with the Salvation Army in Melfort and Tisdale, said that when their location gets broken and things get stolen, that’s less money they can use for the community.
“The biggest thing is whoever’s doing it to please stop,” Robins said. “If they need help, please come and talk to us. We’ll be glad to help you, but you don’t need to steal from us. We’re a hand up in the community, and you don’t need to steal from us.”
To prevent future thefts, the shop began to bring electronics and small furnishing items inside the store nightly— but Wilson expressed that not being a practical change, as it they don’t have the room for more items in store.
“Right now, the store is stacked to the ceiling with bags of clothes. We don’t have room to put it anywhere,” Wilson said.
If anyone has any information on who is responsible, Robins asked that they contact the Tisdale RCMP at 306-878-3810.
“If they see something, call the RCMP,” he said. “Just have a watchful eye as you would. We all live in the community and help and support each other.”
