Food bank ransacked by thieves leaving hundreds of families struggling

A Pecan foodbank spokesperson said: ‘If people are desperate we give them stuff. We never turn anyone anyway’

A Pecan food bank worker provides assistance to a householder (EPA)

A food bank was ransacked by a gang of thieves who stole thousands of pounds worth of food donations leaving south London families to struggle.

Raiders broke into the Southwark Foodbank warehouse, which processes care packages for hundreds of families a week, in Mission Place, Peckham High Street at 9am on Monday.

They were caught on CCTV “walking back and forth” looting the store for food, toiletries and laptops worth £3,000 after causing significant damage to the shutters.

Supplies were looted from the food bank (Southwark Foodbank)

Pecan, the Christian charity that operates the branch, is now appealing to the public for donations to replenish their stock after the robbery. Security at the warehouse has been strengthened over the last 48 hours.

Peter Edwards, chief executive, told The Independent: “We are all ok. We did not have to close the warehouse, fortunately, and are working very hard to ensure our vulnerable clients continue to receive the food packages expected.

Southwark Foodbank was ransacked on Monday morning (Google)

“We have been deeply heartened by the outpouring of generosity from the community following this shocking break-in – but, for a small charity like Pecan, the work of fundraising continues day in and day out.”

A spokesperson for the food bank told Southwark News: “It’s been difficult getting donations in this year anyway.

“But to come in this morning and see this, it’s very disheartening.”

A fire door was smashed in to allow the thieves entry (Southwark Foodbank)

They added that volunteers were left flummoxed as to the motive behind the theft as they give the food away for free.

“If people are desperate we give them stuff,” they continued, “We never turn anyone anyway.”

The theft came as food banks are seeing a “concerning” increase in pensioners needing emergency food parcels in the past year, according to new figures that reveal the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Volunteers Genevieve and Shahid outside the food bank (Southwark Foodbank)

The Trussell Trust delivered a record 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people across the UK in the year 2023/4, up over 100,000 on the year before.

Part of this increase was fuelled by more pension-age households needing help, with 179,000 parcels provided for older people in the age bracket. This represents a 27 per cent increase on the year before.

Shelves were cleared from Southwark Foodbank (Southwark Foodbank)

Addressing the burglary, Southwark Foodbank posted on the fundraiser: “We recently had a break-in at our Southwark Foodbank warehouse and unfortunately, large quantities of food, hygiene products, and a laptop were stolen.

“Sadly, the door and shutter were also damaged, leaving us with costly repairs. Now, our food stock is running low, and we are also faced with unexpected repair expenses. Please support us, as it will make a difference to those who rely on us.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 9am on Monday 9 September to a report of a burglary at a premises on Mission Place, Peckham.

“Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.

“At this early stage, we are unable to confirm what has been taken.”

To donate to Southwark Foodbank, visit its online fundraiser.