“Disgraceful” thieves who broke into a Wodonga Church ahead of Christmas are yet to be identified, but have been offered support by the very volunteers affected by the crime.
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St Stephen’s Uniting Church property manager Col Fitzmaurice arrived on Sunday morning to find a shed door open, and six donated second-hand bicycles missing.
“I knew there was something wrong straight away and saw they had cut through the bike chains,” he said.
“The bikes were fully reconditioned, there ready for Christmas, and the boys spent a lot of hours on those so it’s very disappointing for them.
“We give a lot of bikes to refugees as many can’t drive, and to people who can’t afford them new.”
The thieves also took a small amount of petty cash, not only breaking into the shed, but the rear of the church.
It’s the third burglary that has happened at the church in the 40 years Mr Fitzmaurice has been property manager.
“The main impact is it takes us a lot of time and money to repair the locks that have been wrecked and things like that,” he said.
“It’s about as bad as you can go robbing a church, so maybe this will be a turning point in their life, they will realise they’ve gone too far.
“If they do need assistance, that is what we're here for as a church – we’re here to help them as well.”
Wodonga police have been reviewing CCTV from the church and the surrounding area but are seeking information from the public.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Ian Deverell said the theft likely occurred at some time on Saturday night.
“We believe the person is possibly local and may have been here before, and knew where to go and look for the money,” he said.
“It’s heartbreaking for members of the community to hear the church has been broken into, it’s a low act.
“We are appealing for anybody who may have knowledge of who committed the offence, or may know someone who has come into possession of second-hand bicycles in recent days, to contact police.”
Despite the ordeal, the church will serve more than 200 people at Christmas – about 450 families seek food monthly.
Anyone with information should call Wodonga Police on (02) 6049 2600.
