Community
29 July, 2026
Op shop disappointed by thefts
VOLUNTEERS at the Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop have been forced to invest in security cameras after a recent spate of thefts of donations left outside the shop.
The op shop has invested $2000 into installing security cameras following recent thefts from donation piles left outside opening hours, which has also resulted in a safety risk to volunteers.
Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop joint manager Barbara Cowley said the mess left by those rummaging through the donations often blocks the doorway.
“Items are often scattered in front of the door and makes it difficult to gain access, which could make it a safety issue,” she said.
“Recently during heavy fog, ripped bags meant the clothing was wet and we had to dry it before we could do anything with it – that was a real nuisance.
“Items are sometimes stolen – one weekend a small LEGO table was dropped off and it was left on the veranda near the door while we were working with other donations.
“When we came to take it inside, it was gone – someone had pinched it while we were there.
“That was disappointing because it was a nice little table.”
Residents who have left donations outside of opening hours often inform volunteers, only for their donations to disappear when the shop is opened.
Mrs Cowley said she was disappointed to see the op shop forced to install the cameras, which she said takes money away from the various programs the shop supports within the community.
“It’s the way of the world, unfortunately,” she said.
“It takes time away from our usual work and it often causes us to work later on weekends.
“It’s not a good look for the shop.
“It’s annoying and disrespectful to what we’re trying to do here.”
Mrs Cowley encouraged anyone who sees suspicious behaviour around the op shop to inform volunteers.
“Most people leave their donations neatly packed, and it’s disappointing to see things being rifled through and scattered about,” she said.
“Most people are generous, and a lot of these donations are being brought in while we’re open, which we encourage.”
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