ECS assistant manager Tim Currie said bins had been raided nightly. Photo: Nikki Bailey.
As Esperance Care Services (ECS) staff roll into work, they must clear the mess caused by charity bin raiders the night before.
“It’s almost a daily occurrence,” ECS assistant manager Tim Currie said.
Mr Currie said it was common to find donated bags ripped open and items broken or thrown across the shop’s driveway.
“It affects us greatly because it’s stuff that’s been donated to ECS to help people in the community so we lose that opportunity,” he said.
“If people who are desperate are in need, we are here to help — people can come in here and ask for help.
“We can help with food relief, help if they need furniture to fit out a house, if they need clothing they can come and speak to one of our emergency relief officers — that’s what Esperance Care Services is here to do.”
ECS has four bins — three opposite the Museum Village and one in its driveway in Chadwick.
Mr Currie said the community could help mitigate the problem by dropping off items during staffed hours and reporting illegal rummaging.
“At the end of the day it is stealing — it’s stuff that’s been donated,” he said.
“The best thing to do is just call the cops.
“The clothing bins are fine if it’s bags — they’re not a hundred per cent secure but if people can donate to us in store while we are open that would be really appreciated.
Police senior sergeant Chris Taylor said Esperance police had charged people for stealing from charity bins before but he said they did not receive reports of it every day.
