(MUNICIPALITY OF GREY HIGHLANDS, ON) – Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to warn those individuals who take donated items intended for re-sale by a charitable organization that they are committing a theft and may be faced with a court appearance if caught.
Pennywise Thrift Store, located on Main Street West, Markdale, in the Municipality of Grey Highlands, is a charitable organization run by volunteers of the Hospital Auxiliary of the Centre Grey Hospital in Markdale. Donations consisting of clothing, books, housewares, toys, furniture, etc., are often left in a designated container on the property or, in the case where the container is full, left on the ground outside. Once the donated items are left at the store, these items become the lawful property of the charity. Proceeds from the sale of these items are used for the local hospital and other community projects. .
Police have received information that the theft of donated items, left on the property, intended for the Pennywise Thrift Store has escalated in recent months.
Grey County OPP wish to make those individuals responsible for removing the property aware that they are committing the criminal offence of theft. By entering the property after hours, they are also committing a trespassing offence.
Anyone who may have information which may assist is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit a Web Tip to www.crimestoppersgb.ca. You may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.