Thieves target Tadley CAB collection boxes

Manager of the Franklin Avenue bureau, Sarah Vallins, said ‘Friday the 13th’ proved an unlucky day for the bureau, after the loss was discovered.
After opening up the office, Mrs Vallins and treasurer, Val Goddard, noticed that the donation boxes were missing from two interview rooms.
“These would have needed a cutter, as they were chained to pipes and were locked,” said Mrs Vallins.
Emptied weekly, Mrs Vallins said the boxes were likely to have contained less than £10 each - donations from clients.
“We do not ask clients for a contribution as we are a free service, however we leave a donation box in each interview room and clients will often donate a few pounds in appreciation for advice given,” said Mrs Vallins.
The theft of the boxes was not the first at the bureau, on March 23, Mrs Vallins said a collection box was discovered missing, presumed stolen, however this latest theft has been reported to the police and a review of security undertaken at the bureau.
Mrs Vallins said the thefts were “very disappointing”.
“We are a small charity and we work so hard to raise funds to provide a free, independent, confidential advice service using volunteers to help their local community. With reduced funding we are already taking measures to cut costs and although only a small amount has been taken, the fact we have been targeted is very upsetting for staff and volunteers,” she added.
The bureau - which provides an outreach service in Burghfield Common - aims to replace the donation boxes with a more secure alternative.
About 70 per cent of the cost of running the bureau is met by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the rest is made up from donations, fundraising and small grants
Anyone with information about the theft should contact the police on the non emergency telephone number, 101.