Penzance project that feeds homeless and vulnerable 'ransacked' during break-in
Food was opened and thrown about, equipment was stolen and items damaged
A project that helps feed the homeless and vulnerable in Penzance has been ransacked during a break-in.
The Street Food Project was targeted last week and saw stock damaged, food opened and thrown across the room and equipment stolen.
The community scheme relies on volunteers to help give out meals and food parcels to those in need.
Glennie MckinleyGlennie Mckinley helps run the project, she told us they still managed to operate as normal that evening."They had gone in a ransacked the place, they went upstairs smashed in the fire door, smashed the filing cabinets, broke the chairs, broke the desk, took the Apple Mac.
"They then went downstairs, smashed up all the food, had strewn it across the floor, ate the sweets and then left.
"By 4.30pm that afternoon the volunteers had come in and cleaned up the place and we served at 5.30pm like normal. It's not stopped us, but it's just disheartening when everything we get is voluntary."
She says the scheme is very much needed in the local area, especially during the pandemic.
"In this area the poverty is ridiculous, it amazes me that last week we fed 800 people in total. With what is happening, when we come out of lockdown there are going to be even more people out of work."
Glennie Mckinley, Street Food Project Penzance
A Just Giving page has been set up to help the project and it has already smashed its £1,000 target.
The page reads: "The building where we feed the homeless and vulnerable people was broken into this week and was ransacked. All the office equipment was smashed to bits . The food was thrown about and opened up.
"Sadness that someone did this, but it did not stop us as that night still feeding those who were in need."
Just Giving page
Police are investigating what happened and anyone with information is urged to get in touch.
"Police are investigating reports of a burglary at a commercial premises on Guildhall Road, Penzance last week.
"The incident is reported to have taken place between 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th and 9.40am on Thursday 18th February.
"It’s believed that electronic items were taken and that damage was caused to the inside of the building."
Devon and Cornwall Police
Anyone with information and which may assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/012792/21.