Thieves break into Peckham food bank, stealing thousands of pounds worth of supplies

Thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of supplies from a food bank after breaking into the property in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The perpetrators targeted Southwark Foodbank’s warehouse in Peckham High Street, forcing the shutters open and snatching food, hygiene products and a charity laptop.

Southwark Foodbank supports hundreds of people each week with emergency food parcels and toiletries. It is run by Pecan, a charity focussed on tackling unemployment in South London.

Peter Edwards, chief executive at Pecan, said: “We have been left devastated by the break-in. Staff and volunteers work with Pecan to help people facing hardship. 

“It was a hammer blow to morale to discover the theft – but we are determined Pecan will rebuild stronger.

“If you want to be part of the recovery effort, then please make a donation online via Bankuet.”

The food bank said it has had to spend £600 to fix the damage, including getting a new lock and shutter, and has strengthened security since the incident.

A Met spokesman said: “Police were called at 9am on Monday, to a report of a burglary at a premises in Mission Place, Peckham.

“Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.

“At this early stage, we are unable to confirm what has been taken.”

Pictured top: Southwark foodbank in Peckham High Street (Picture: Google Street View)