Portsmouth charity boss 'could honestly walk away' after break-in

The Moving On Project Portsmouth (MOPP) helps with the rehousing of those who are survivors of domestic abuse or rough sleepers, by providing them with furniture, domestic appliances and food.

But at some point in the past week, someone has broken into the charity’s unit in Buckland, causing untold damage and crushing the spirits of volunteers.

Tearful founder Sarah Knight told The News: ‘We found out this morning and have been down here ever since.

‘They got in through the fire escape in the next block – we’re still trying to figure out exactly how much has been taken.

‘It’s not the first time this has happened either. We have been broken into five or six times now.’

A break-in attempt was made last month, but the would-be thief was thwarted by a new security gate at the front.

Sarah suggested at the time that another break-in could spell the end for her, and has refused to rule that our following this incident.

She said: ‘I feel deflated – I could honestly walk away.

‘We all work so hard and every single one of us is a volunteer. It’s frustrating because we do everything we can to get these things for people who so desperately need it.

‘What’s more, we give this stuff away for free. If someone wanted something so badly, they could have just asked.

‘It just makes you wonder why; why they do these things, and why we have to put up with it.

Plans had been in place to reopen the unit on Tuesday, but this has been postponed until at least January 12.

Now, volunteers are weighing up the possibility of getting CCTV installed, so the next person who tries it would be caught red-handed.

‘It’s a last resort to get CCTV fitted, but we’re at that point now,’ said Sarah.

‘We have secured the area ourselves for the time being.’

The incident has been reported to Hampshire Constabulary.

Anyone with information can contact the police via 101, quoting the reference number INC/20210102-0853.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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