Porthmadog thieves steal from cancer sufferers

Jun 25 2009 Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

Thieves steal from cancer sufferers

THIEVES have been stealing donations for a local cancer charity as the recession takes hold.

The latest theft happened at the Tourist Information Centre in Porthmadog.

Staff were stunned to discover the money box for Gwynedd Hospice at Home had gone missing last Wednesday, June 17.

Centre supervisor Megan Roberts said: “Everybody is quite shocked and can’t understand why anyone would want to steal from this charity.

“We have no idea who has taken it and we have never had anything like this happen before.

“The box probably had less than £20 in it and we hope to shame the thief into coming forward.”

Hilary Bonney, fundraising manager for Gwynedd Hospice At Home, condemned the theft, but said it was “a sign of the times” as the recession takes hold.

She said: “It is very disappointing but something we have come across more often in the last nine months.

“We have had a few of these boxes taken – five alone were stolen in Holyhead over the Christmas period.

“We have even had to install CCTV in our gift shop at Ysbyty Gwynedd because people were stealing from there.

“These thieves are stealing from a charity that helps local people.

“I only hope that those who steal never have to experience what the people we are raising funds for have to endure.”

Hilary added: “Because of the credit crunch, we are having to work extra hard to raise funds.

“It’s very sad that when people have been generous enough to donate to us that their money is stolen.”

Porthmadog’s PCSO Steve Phelps urged people to help them with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 1562 Anderson or PCSO Steve Phelps on 0845 607 1001/1002.

michelle.coyle