Food Bank reports gas, food and equipment repeatedly stolen

By Matthew Nash • October 17, 2018 1:30 am
Carlene Moberg, a produce volunteer at the Sequim Food Bank, readies food for distribution on Oct. 15. Recently, the produce barn was vandalized and food bank leaders report several thefts and burglaries at the facility in recent weeks. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Carlene Moberg, a produce volunteer at the Sequim Food Bank, readies food for distribution on Oct. 15. Recently, the produce barn was vandalized and food bank leaders report several thefts and burglaries at the facility in recent weeks. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Sequim Police continue to investigate a string of theft and burglaries at the Sequim Food Bank, 144 W. Alder St.

Stephen Rosales, board president for the food bank, said as was stolen from the facility’s delivery truck along with food and equipment from the facility’s buildings, with at least four incidents in the past three weeks.

“The sad part is we’d probably help them with gas if they needed it,” Rosales said. “They just had to ask.”

The most recent theft occurred sometime between Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, the Sequim Police Department reported.

Rosales said theft of gas at the facility about six months ago led staff and volunteers to install a locking gas cap. However, a thief or thieves opted to cut the truck’s gas line — leaving it out of commission for about a week and costing the food bank about $250 in repairs.

Staff have been parking the truck by the road, Rosales said, so that if someone saw a thief they could report it. He said the thefts occurred at the main building and next door at 154 W. Alder St.

Rosales said someone broke into the food bank’s milk cooler and storage areas as well, taking food and equipment.

When the lock is cut on the milk freezer it costs about $60 for a new lock and sets of keys, Rosales said — all for a few gallons of milk.

Rosales is borrowing a dolly after the food bank’s dolly, worth an estimated $250, was stolen. Thieves also took a ladder.

“It’s a hassle,” Rosales said. “Now it costs us a lot of time and effort.”

Food bank volunteer Isabelle Dunlop said vandals also tore trim off the produce shed two separate times, and took bites out of donated food and spit it back into boxes.

“It almost feels like someone is harassing us,” Rosales said.

Staff Sgt. Sean Madison with the Sequim Police Department said they don’t have any leads on the case, currently but that it is an active investigation.

“We’re taking steps to figure it out,” Madison said.

Those with information about the thefts are asked to contact Sequim Police Department, 152 W. Cedar St., at 360-683-7227, to speak with any available officer.

Sequim Food Bank continues to open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, and 9 a.m.-noon Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information about the Sequim Food Bank, call 360-683-1205 or 360-461-6038.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.

Leaders of the Sequim Food Bank report gas, food and equipment have been stolen at least three times from the facility and delivery truck. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Leaders of the Sequim Food Bank report gas, food and equipment have been stolen at least three times from the facility and delivery truck. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

A thief or thieves has broken into the milk cooler at the Sequim Food Bank a few times in recent weeks, volunteers of the facility say. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

A thief or thieves has broken into the milk cooler at the Sequim Food Bank a few times in recent weeks, volunteers of the facility say. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Isabelle Dunlop, a produce volunteer at the Sequim Food Bank, said vandals have taken bites out of donated produce and spit it back in boxes and torn trim down from the produce barn at least twice in recent weeks. Gas and other needed equipment was also stolen. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Isabelle Dunlop, a produce volunteer at the Sequim Food Bank, said vandals have taken bites out of donated produce and spit it back in boxes and torn trim down from the produce barn at least twice in recent weeks. Gas and other needed equipment was also stolen. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash