Dunedin Opportunity Shop staff are fed up with people ''stealing from the community and charities'' that are trying to help those in need.
People who shoplift from opportunity shops are ''stealing from the community'', which affects the services charities offer.
Presbyterian Support Otago retail manager Chrissy Anderson said the issue was widespread among charity stores in Dunedin.
''When people steal, they are actually stealing from the whole community of people in need. It is very disappointing ... stealing from charities that are trying to help people,'' she said.
As a result of ''prolific shoplifting'', the organisation - whose profits fund the family works programme in Otago - has installed security cameras in Shop on Taieri and Shop on Carroll.
Security cameras will also be installed in the Support Opportunity Shop on St Andrew St.
''The sad thing is, if we don't make the profits, they have to reduce services. You can't have your eyes everywhere. You operate on trust and a belief in people's integrity and honesty. Unfortunately, some people operate on a sense of different values,'' she said.
Mrs Anderson said the organisation, like many, has a ''responsibility'' to those who donate goods.
''We are selling those goods to fund the charitable work of the organisation. I have caught people going through a bag of clothing that has been left outside the door ... helping themselves when it is clear it is a donation for charity.
''It's just a little bit sad that one or two spoil it for everyone,'' she said.
Salvation Army Captain Andrew Moffatt said people had been caught shoplifting across the organisation's three stores in Northeast Valley, the central city and South Dunedin.
''One of our shop managers catches people at least twice a week. People seem to have this understanding that because the Salvation Army don't pay for anything, they are entitled to it. It stops us from raising funds for our mission so other people miss out. They are stealing from the public,'' he said.
Capt Moffatt said another issue was people stealing goods that had been donated after-hours.
''It is a concern and it is continual. If people dropped goods off tonight, there is a high chance they would not be there in the morning. Not only are they stealing from us, they are also trespassing.
"There is no need for people to steal. We are thankful to the public who donate their goods. It makes a huge difference in the wider Dunedin community. There is a great amount of goodwill,'' he said.
Dunedin Central Community Constable Mike Gasson said while police ''are not aware of any specific targeting of opportunity shops, one dedicated thief can make life difficult for any shop''.
- Samantha McPherson
SHOPLIFTING
Advice for shop workers who believe they may have witnessed a theft
Think about your safety at all times. If possible, get another staff member to assist you, and if you feel unsafe at any point, let the suspect leave.
If you feel safe, approach the suspect and identify yourself, stay at a safe distance.
Be polite, not confrontational. Tell them what you saw them do. Ask them to return to your office.
If the suspect is co-operative
Try to walk behind the suspect.
Watch to see if they try to discard any stolen items.
Seat the suspect in an area where they cannot discard anything, or steal further items. Leave the door open. If possible, have another staff member with you so they cannot claim ill treatment.
Call 111 and ask for police.
Note any explanations or admissions. Inform police if you wish for the suspect to be trespassed from your shop.
If the suspect is aggressive or runs off
It is better to let the suspect go than risk being assaulted.
If you feel safe enough to follow them, then do so at a safe distance.
Advise another staff member that you are following a shoplifter. That staff member should call police, explain where your shop is, what the suspect looks like (age, ethnicity, build, hair colour and style, clothing description, accessories and any other notable features).
Take a cellphone with you, call 111 and advise them you are following a shoplifter. Answer the call-taker's questions, follow their instructions and wave the police car down when seen.
