The Maitland Cancer Appeal Op Shop has been forced to close until further notice after a brazen early morning break-in left the volunteer-run charity devastated.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, a lone offender shattered a side door to gain entry into the beloved community store. Once inside, the individual ripped the cash register from its fittings and made off with it, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
CCTV footage captured the break-in, showing a male suspect wearing a black hoodie, a red and white baseball cap, and what appears to be a half-leg sleeve tattoo. The footage has been handed over to local police and will also be released to the public in hopes that someone will recognise the individual and come forward.
The incident is a crushing blow to the volunteers who dedicate their time to running the op shop. Every dollar raised by the store goes toward supporting local families affected by cancer and funding vital cancer research in the Newcastle and Hunter region. Now, not only has money been stolen, but the shop has also suffered physical damage, adding to the emotional toll.
“This break-in doesn’t just hurt the store,” said a spokesperson for the op shop. “It hurts the entire community — families battling cancer who rely on our support, and the volunteers who pour their hearts into making a difference.”
The shop has announced it will remain closed until further notice as repairs are made and the investigation continues. Volunteers are now calling on the community for help — whether by sharing the CCTV images, donating to help cover losses, or providing any information that could help track down the offender.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police or the Maitland Cancer Appeal Op Shop directly. The contact person for the appeal, Jason Griffiths, can be reached at 0437 140 455 for further details or to provide tips.
This senseless crime has struck at the heart of a charity that has given so much. Let’s help them get back on their feet — and bring the person responsible to justice.
Stay tuned to MHV News for updates as this story develops.