Perth Voice Interactive

THIEVES, vandals and litterbugs are undermining the charitable work of the Salvation Army in Maylands.

They’re leaving such a mess on weekends that two staff spend two hours cleaning every Monday before the op shop opens.

Neighbours are complaining to police.

Manager Shane Oliver confirms it’s a big problem.

The donation bin is locked out the back after hours, but scavengers jump the fence and rummage through. Some even climb into the bin: whatever is deemed unworthy of their pillaging is often cast on the ground.

A store worker told the Voice dumped clothes were thrown out: sometimes urine was found on them.

An arsonist once targeted security lights.

Area manager Karen Martino says things had been worse but replacing skip bins with wheelie bins rolled into the shop each night had helped.

She says December and January are the worst months.

“It happens at a lot of Salvos stores, particularly the bigger ones,” Ms Martino told the Voice, adding it’s a nationwide problem.

“In excess of $6 million is spent yearly to clean up dumped goods.”

“That money could be much better spent.”

Ms Martino says by the time police are called and arrive, troublemakers are usually long gone.

She says the damage is dispiriting for volunteers and donors.

“Not only the staff, but the volunteers coming out of the goodness of their hearts … it’s hard on them.”

The shop plans to replace the skip bin with one on wheels that can be brought indoors.

Making the problem worse are litterbugs who use the bus stop across the road from The Rise and Maylands Library, dumping shopping bags and food containers on a small strip of trees and shrubs.

by KATRINA MAHONEY