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Ten bags of toys taken from truck near Victoria Salvation Army

Victoria police are investigating after 10 bags of donated children’s toys were stolen from a truck parked next to the Salvation Army’s Stan Hagen Centre for Families. The Quadra Street centre helps families in need with a variety of services.
The Salvation Army's Stan Hagen Centre for Familes.
The Salvation Army's Stan Hagen Centre for Familes

Victoria police are investigating after 10 bags of donated children’s toys were stolen from a truck parked next to the Salvation Army’s Stan Hagen Centre for Families.

The Quadra Street centre helps families in need with a variety of services.

Police said staff members had parked the truck in an adjacent lot overnight. The toys were securely locked away but thieves still got to them, said Salvation Army spokeswoman Patricia Mamac.

“They were waiting for the volunteers to unload them the next morning,” Mamac said.

“Depending on the size of toys, there could be from 15 to 20 toys per bag.”

The toys are valued at up to $5,000.

The theft is tough this time of year, Mamac said.

“We’re just deeply saddened and disappointed that they toys were stolen,” she said.

“It just speaks to how desperate people can become when they’re struggling in their circumstances, whatever those circumstances are.”

The Salvation Army will be trying to replenish its toy supply so that children don’t go without, Mamac said.

“We are not sure if we will be able to accomplish our goals,” she said. “We’ll certainly try.”

She offered an apology to toy donors for the stolen merchandise.

“Besides the families these toys will not reach, we’re just really sorry about the people who have donated these toys,” Mamac said, “It’s sad for them, as well, because they were given generously.”

Donations of unwrapped toys or cash can be dropped off at the Stan Hagen Centre at 2695 Quadra St. It is open weekdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4:15 p.m.

Police ask anyone with information about the theft to contact them at 250-995-7654 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

jwbell@timescolonist.com