The LPC Humane Society Thrift Store, hit regularly by thieves who make off with donations left after hours, has a new surveillance system.
“We’re working with our vendor to adjust the cameras so that soon we’ll be able to read license plates,” said store director Karen Streeter.
The problem arises because people leave items after the donation center closes, Streeter said. Thieves strike after midnight, Streeter said.
“We’ve identified at least four different groups by the vehicles we see on the cameras,” Streeter said. “They’re gangs that strike regularly.”
One gang stole items twice in the same week, Streeter said.
The donation center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Losses to theft are compounded when people leave articles in poor condition, and it costs money to dispose of unsalable articles.
“It would be a huge help if people would drop donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Streeter said. “Once we can identify vehicles by license plate, we are going to contact the owners.”
daler@durangoherald.com
