Second hand store urges residents to stop after-hour donations amid safety concerns

The problem has also changed how staff handle garbage. Instead of placing waste directly into outdoor bins, employees now keep it inside the store until it can be taken out once a week.

“They’re cutting the heavy chains that are on the bins,” she said, adding staff believe grinders have been used after stronger chains were installed.

Staff have also found discarded needles behind the building, creating another safety risk while cleaning up the area.

In response, the store has installed three indoor security cameras and plans to add another outside to monitor the donation area.

“We’ll have to see the license plates of the people who are dropping these off on weekends. The RCMP said that is actually like littering if it’s posted with the store hours.”

The latest concerns come just months after vandals set fire to donations left outside the building. During that time, staff also discovered damage to a rear door that appeared to have been caused during an attempted break-in.

Rosendahl said the RCMP has agreed to increase patrols and conduct overnight drive-bys in the back alley.

She added that dropping off donations after hours can also put donors at risk. People have been seen waiting behind the building for donations, and in one incident, a group approached a woman who was leaving items after the store had closed and began taking them.

The store is asking residents to drop off donations only during business hours, Monday through Friday, to help ensure items safely reach those who need them.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Second hand store urges residents to stop after-hour donations amid safety concerns

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