The Catholic charity’s North Rd store was broken into on Thursday night by thieves using a metal bar, who then took a freezer containing a year’s worth of meat, the roller door remote, and the charity’s collection and delivery van.
The meat had been donated by a local farming family and was intended to be distributed among the community.
"That’s the thing, they didn’t steal it off us, they stole it off families who would have benefited from it," said St Vincent de Paul treasurer Tony Rae.
"We’re all volunteers [at St Vincent], so that’s a kick in the teeth for us who put in all the time into helping people."
The van, which was used for collecting and delivering donated goods around the community, was located by the Invercargill City Council on Friday morning having been hotwired then dumped at Sandy Point with a damaged bumper.
In the days following, the van had its windows smashed, tyres stolen, and was eventually set ablaze — all in separate daily incidents.
"It’s a lot of mucking around now having to be without the van," said Mr Rae.
He said the insurance would cover some of the cost, but not the difference needed to buy a new van.
While searching for a new vehicle, the charity had hired a van to temporarily fulfill their collection and delivery work.
"It’s got to be said also that the percentage of people like [the thieves] is offset by the very generous people like all our volunteers, people who donate food, clothing, furniture, money," said Mr Rae.
"Good people, they far outweigh the negative. It’s a kick in the teeth, but we’ll carry on."
St Vincent de Paul has been involved in the Invercargill community for about 90 years, working with Christian values to deliver practical and effective help to those in need.
-- Ben Tomsett
