Thieves, vandals raid Salvation Army charity bins

Heartless thieves and vandals have targeted Salvation Army charity donation bins across Albany in recent weeks.

Three donation bins were broken into and damaged and items stolen.

In _The Extra _January 8 edition, the _Albany Advertiser _report- ed the Salvation Army had previously taken measures to discourage theft, including installing security cameras at its Chester Pass Road store and a barrier across the driveway during the hours it is not open.

Community store manager Graham Henderson said he was shocked by the thefts and was concerned about the impact it will have on the community.

"They take what they like and leave everything else on the ground which then gets spoilt and damage and obviously we can't use them in the store," he said.

"We are going to have to spend money to put covers on the locks so it will mean additional expenses.

"It's depriving us of doing our job … it's depriving us of being able to support local people in the community."

Mr Henderson said the incidents had been reported to police and encourages the community to remain vigilant.

"We don't want to take the donation bins away because they are convenient for people in Albany … and we are very grateful for donations, which help keep us going."