Habitat for Humanity's Burnaby ReStore hit by thieves
Habitat for Humanity's Burnaby ReStore has been the target of thieves and vandals for the third time in 10 days.
The ReStore, located on Douglas Road, sells donated goods and materials to raise money for Habitat's affordable housing projects.
The most recent incident Wednesday night saw the culprits target a truck, and making off with tools valued at more than $5,000, said Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, in a press release. In two other break-ins, safety workboots donated donated by a major retailer and wiring was stolen.
Including damage to the property, fencing and gates, the total losses from the three incidents is more than $10,000.
The crimes are disheartening, said Tom Riessner, director of the ReStores. “These materials are donated to us by individuals and companies and ultimately support the work of our volunteers who build homes for partner families.”
The non-profit organization is currently working to complete the sixth and final phase of a townhome development on Government Street in Burnaby, with completion scheduled for early 2013.
“These thefts of materials and tools at our ReStores will only make it more financially challenging for the society and for our volunteers to complete these affordable homes for families in time," Riessner said.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver relies on donations of land, volunteers, construction materials and generous individual and corporate donors to build affordable homes for modest income families. Families chosen to purchase the homes work along with volunteers to build them or to help operate the two ReStores in Burnaby and Vancouver.
Riessner said the Burnaby ReStore is working with police on ways to improve security and hope to deter thieves through public awareness of the crimes.
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