A police investigation is being carried out after a break-in at the MiCommunity shop in Margate’s Old Town, which provides affordable food and household goods for their clients as well as advice for benefits, budgeting and more.
John Finnegan, who co-founded Margate Independent Food Bank and then MiCommunity,, said it is the third break-in over the last 12 months. Thieves targeted the stock room.
It is estimated that the loss of stock and damage to the site is at a cost of some £1,000.
Mr Finnegan said: “This means we will have £1,000 less to help the families in the community. This has really knocked me for six. Over the last three years me and the rest of the volunteers have tried to support the community but this makes me wonder if it’s worth it.
“We have stepped up security. Thankfully they didn’t target the shop itself, they targeted the stock room via another door.
“The shop is well covered by CCTV. We are having alarms fitted in the shop and in stock room plus CCTV in the basement. Me and the volunteers are not going to stop helping the community. We have hard times coming.”
Inspector Ian Swallow, of Thanet Community Safety Unit, said: ‘Kent Police was contacted at 9am on Tuesday 30 August and it was reported that, between 7am and 8am that morning, an organisation in Duke Street, Margate had been broken into and a number of food and drink items stolen.
‘Officers have since attended and an investigation is underway, including door-to-door enquiries, a review of local CCTV and speaking to potential witnesses.
‘We understand that burglary is very distressing for victims, and this offence is aggravated by having been carried out against an organisation working to help the local community.
‘I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Duke Street area on Tuesday morning, or who has any information which may assist our investigation, to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/169804/22.
‘You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.”
MiCommunity Shop, at 6 Duke Street, is now appealing for help to replenish stock.
They need
Tinned baked beans
Tinned soups
Tinned meats
Tinned vegetables
Tinned fish
Tinned fruit
Ladies’ hygiene products
Washing powder
Milk
Shampoo
Conditioner
Cereals
The shop is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am until 3pm and Saturday 11am till 3pm
Phone 01843280074
Email mifoodbank@aol.com
