Volunteers at the Traralgon Men’s Shed have been left devastated after thieves broke into their office and stole a new computer system.
Some time between 4pm on Monday, 21 October and 8.45am the following morning, unknown offenders targeted the Howitt Street building and took the computer which had, only three months earlier, been purchased through a Latrobe City Council community development grant.
“It makes you wonder why you bother to give so much to the community, to have them come around and kick you in the teeth like that,” shed coordinator Colin Reid said.
It was the second time in a month the shed had been broken into, but nothing was stolen in the earlier incident.
Mr Reid is now calling for the community’s help to upgrade the shed’s security system, along with doors and windows, through fundraising or support from a local business.
“This was because of one or two bad apples, who couldn’t respect this organisation, but if it continues to happen, we could fold,” Mr Reid said.
Shed chairman Ron Holderness said beyond financial support, the shed needed the community to remain alert when driving along Howitt Street.
“We would ask people to be vigilant when they see something out of the norm and not just walk on by,” Mr Holderness said.
The shed offers woodworking and model-making classes to people of all ages, including retirees, school children, refugees, people with disabilities and juvenile offenders.
Anybody with information about the theft should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you would like to assist the shed to upgrade its security system, phone Colin Reid or Ron Holderness on
5174 5924.
