Dargaville’s Greenways Trust targeted in late-night burglary

After entering the Greenways Trust, the thief made off with about $2200 worth of cash and vouchers.

Greenways Trust staff had a sobering end to their year after a thief stole more than $2000 destined for the community’s most vulnerable people.

The trust, based in Dargaville, provides residential support and other support for people with intellectual disabilities.

Among the cash stolen was money raised to attend the Special Olympics in Christchurch this year.

On December 29, a male figure wearing a balaclava, boots, a grey cap and a hood smashed the window to the administration office and entered inside.

After locating two crowbars from the outside machinery area, the intruder opened the safe, which was holding about $2000 in cash and vouchers, general manager Roxanne Kelly said.

Some of the stolen money had been fundraised through sausage sizzles so members could attend the Special Olympics in Christchurch this December, she said.

“They had been fundraising for quite a long time,” Kelly said.

Alongside that was their party money, which they used to host gatherings for residents and community members.

There was also general cash from firewood sales and $450 that had been saved by one resident.

About $200 worth of countdown vouchers was also in there, as well as fuel vouchers.

“It’s really sad, actually, that they take away from a trust,” Kelly said.

She had to come back from holiday to deal with the incident, which was reported to police online.

An officer came the next day, obtaining CCTV footage and photos of damage.

Kelly felt the thief knew what he was doing because of the way he managed to evade the alarm system.

More than $2000 worth of cash and vouchers was stolen when an intruder smashed a glass window to gain entry.

“It’s really gutting actually. We’re a whanāu-based organisation, it’s beyond a job. So it’s really quite personal when somebody comes in and does that to our people. Especially when they work to get money to do things for themselves.

“Somebody comes along and blatantly takes that money, it’s a massive amount for [the community].”

The trust would have to pay the insurance excess of $500 to fix the window, she said.

A police spokesperson said no arrests had been made at this stage.

“Disappointingly, cash intended for community causes was stolen by the offender in the burglary.

“We ask anyone in the community with information to get in touch with police.”

Any information that may help police in their investigations can be provided online or by calling 105, using reference number 241230/7275.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.