A REDDITCH foodbank has had to introduce a 15-item limit to users after two people ransacked its stocks.
The Friends of Isaacs Foodbank in Greenlands and Batchley operates on a basis of trust, the policy is visit one site and only take what you need.
Last weekend the individuals travelled from the Greenlands site to Batchley and took nearly all of the items.
Claire Chapman, who runs the foodbank alongside her son Isaac Winfield said she was saddened she has had to enforce the limit.
“We invest in good CCTV and our systems are interconnected to ensure that people who go from shed to shed and bulk empty can be identified.
“While most children were enjoying their snow days, Isaac spent a considerable amount of time shopping and stocking his sheds so that people were not choosing between heating and eating.
“Acts like this not only make fun of an 11-year-old boy, but also out of those who kindly donate food items each week.
“It also risks our future donations and sustainability.”
Because the foodbank operates on trust, Claire previously didn’t set a limit to how many items users can take.
But after this incident, she has no choice.
Claire added: “A 15 item limit will apply to anyone using the foodbank and we will be restricting visits to two per week across our network.
“This is to stop abuse of our service and people going from one site to the next and taking an excessive amounts.
“For those with large family’s we ask that you message the page or email us and exceptions can be made on a case by case basis.
“We also want to thank everyone for their generosity and helping to restock the sheds.”
Under current laws, it isn’t a crime to steal from a foodbank such as this, as it is open for people to take items.
Inspector Rich Field from Redditch safety neighbourhood team said: “It’s a shame that this has happened.
“Taking food that you don’t need from a foodbank takes away from people who need the service.”
