Second charity bookshop break-in in 18 months

WHEN Ronda Teece and her team turned up on 26 March to open up the Gloucester Charities bookshop, they were greeted with a shock.

The store had suffered significant vandalism, with two doors, drawers, cupboards and a filing cabinet badly damaged.

A laptop was stolen, as were cash and gift cards intended for distribution to people in need in the community.

“Who would steal from a  charity that helps people in need?” said Ronda, who is president of the bookshop committee.

Secretary Jenny Wardle said it was the charity store’s second break-in in 18 months.

“It will cost us thousands to repair and to replace,” she said.

The bookshop, located at the former Scout hall, has been running for over 20 years and is supported by 20-plus local volunteers.

Second hand books are posted for sale on Facebook and orders come from all over the country, so the stolen laptop has significantly affected operations.

As a result of the incident, the shop has been unable to provide the same level of assistance to locals for the last few weeks nor sponsor the weekly free lunch run by Food with Friends.

“However, the community has been most supportive with donations and people continue to donate DVDs and books,” Jenny said.

“We are very appreciative of their support.

“That’s the strong community spirit that is often seen in Gloucester.”

By Kim TEOH