Portsmouth charity targeted by failed burglary attempt as miscreant defecates on floor

Moving On Project Portsmouth, based in Buckland, was targeted in an attempted break-in on Wednesday night.

But the would-be vandal was unable to get access to the charity’s unit after a new gate was installed.

Sadly, it appears the individual defacated at the scene, perhaps out of frustration.

Moving On Project Portsmouth provides donated furniture, domestic appliances and food to help people such as rough sleepers, domestic abuse survivors and offenders on probation.

Sarah Knight, who founded the project in 2017, says another break-in would have been the ‘final straw’.

'We’ve had four or five break-ins in the past couple of years, and every time it’s a huge setback,’ she said.

‘Luckily the new gate stopped whoever it was from getting in, but they still defecated outside so that needed cleaning up.

‘Somebody in the local area saw it happen and phoned us, so we were down here straight away.’

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This is the busiest time of year for the charity, with auctions and collections on an almost daily basis.

Cases have more than doubled from 104 in 2017 to 219 last year, meaning the charity needs both extra cash and helping hands to cope with the demand.

The charity now uses 20 storage units at its headquarters in Grafton Street’s underground car park.

Sarah and the team recently received a £5,000 grant from retailer B&Q, which will go towards a new van.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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