INKSTER, Mich. – Empty boxes mean empty stomachs for needy families in Inkster after a series of break-ins at a food bank.
Jean Overman of Mother's Pantry said hundreds of dollars in food has been stolen and thousands of dollars in damage done by thieves who have raided the food bank five times in the past month -- even twice in one week. The latest happened Monday night.
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But most troubling, Overman said, is why someone would steal something they would have been able to have for free.
"I'm really concerned that someone feels the need to vandalize and come inside of a free food pantry and steal," she said.
The thieves have also left the food bank's freezer door open on their way out, spoiling meat and produce.
"It's really terrible. We're here to help the community," said volunteer Bishop L.C. Barnes. "Anything anyone in the community needs we're here for them, and it's all free. All they have to do is ask."
Security bars were installed Tuesday at the food bank -- a donation by viewers who saw the food bank's plight aired on Local 4 last week.
Anyone who wants to help with the replenishing of the food bank can do so at OperationRefuge.net.