PORT HARDY—With the season for giving upon us, there are those who still believe it is better to receive.
The Port Hardy RCMP is currently investigating two separate thefts of donation boxes in less than a month.
On Nov. 8, a window was smashed and entry was gained into the Canada Post office, where the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day poppy donation box was stolen off the counter. A Property Crime Examiner attended the location and evidence was gathered which will assist in the investigation. However, RCMP said additional information is needed to further the matter.
The second offence occurred this Wednesday, Dec. 3, when a male and female entered the North Island Gazette, completed an application for a food hamper, and then stole the Gazette Hamper Fund donation box off the counter.
With the Christmas Season upon us, it’s in the spirit of giving that we reach into our pockets to help others who are less fortunate. Many of the businesses within our community assist by placing donation boxes or food hampers in open areas for the public to easily access.
“These donations are offered out of the goodness of people’s hearts. The theft of these items has a direct impact on everyone in our community” said Staff Sargent Gord Brownridge, who would like to remind businesses to place donation boxes in a safe location and report any suspicious activity to police.
If anyone witnessed these crimes, or can provide information about them, they are asked to contact the local detachment at 949-6335, or contact CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
