By Danielle Kutchel
Heartless thieves have made off with a much-loved Casey charity’s refrigerated truck.
The family behind Bk 2 Basics Melbourne, based in Narre Warren, woke to find their truck missing on the morning of Saturday 5 June.
Founder Kelly Warren said the theft had been devastating for the charity, which is currently flat out feeding over 6000 people a week.
“This has a huge impact,” she said, adding that the refrigerated truck – which was purchased with donated money – allows the charity to pick up dairy goods for donation to struggling families.
Unfortunately the truck wasn’t insured, as all of the money that Bk 2 Basics receives goes into helping the community, Ms Warren said.
“If the money was there, of course it would be insured. But the money just wasn’t there. Things had to be prioritized.”
She has been heartened by the outpouring of community support and spirit since the theft, with kids dropping off their pocket money to the charity and hundreds of social media shares made in an effort to help locate the stolen truck.
She has pleaded for the thieves to return the vehicle as soon as possible and said no questions will be asked.
“If we get it back that’s the end of it, I don’t really care. Just give the truck back and it’s over and forgotten. Just do the right thing,” she said.
Victoria Police confirmed that Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the theft.
“Investigators have been told the truck was stolen from the carpark of a business on Vesper Drive around 12.20am,” police said in a statement.
“The truck was then used in another theft from a different business in Vesper Drive a short time later.”
Police are on the lookout for two offenders in a dark coloured Mazda.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The stolen truck is white and has the registration 0KG 906.
Donations to assist the charity to get back on its feet are appreciated and can be made via the details on the Bk 2 Basics Facebook page.
