Burglars target Top Valley food bank again as they make off with haul including biscuits

A food bank serving Bestwood and Bulwell has been broken into with food stolen for the third time in the past six weeks.

Its manager has said the incidents have happened during the 'busiest time in its history', and has expressed 'sadness' it's happened so regularly recently.

On Monday (February 7) evening, the Bestwood & Bulwell Food Bank at St Philip's Church in Top Valley was broken into, and an amount of food was stolen including biscuits.

The incident has been reported to Nottinghamshire Police, who are investigating.

Manager Nigel Webster expressed 'sadness' that it's happened again, saying it happened on December 23 last year, their busiest day of the year, and again shortly into the new year, as well as this week.

The foodbank at St Philip's Church (@BBFoodbank)

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, he said: "There's real sadness and disappointment, we're here to help and if people need it, all they have to do is ask.

"But now we've got the hassle of repairs and having to spend on that and security that should be going towards helping some of the most vulnerable people in our city.

"This time now to lose any stock is a tragedy."

Mr Webster said it's 'frightening' how busy the food bank has been of late.

He said: "What was stolen is dwarfed by the amount of food local people actually need, it's quite frightening.

"I've never seen it so busy since it opened up, and we're only at the start of the living cost crisis.

"Our donations come from the local community, and although we're seeing an increased need and deprivation of people needing our service, we're aware our donors will be feeling the impact of this too.

"We do make a difference, as it can be the beginning of some people's transformation who get help to tackle issues, and for some people, going to a food bank is the bottom of the pit.

"It's not just about the food, it's also about the kindness of volunteers who help, who have been amazing all throughout the pandemic and haven't stopped."

Pre-prepared food parcels (@BBFoodbank)

Nottinghamshire Police has been contacted for comment.

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