Doorstep dropoffs are being stolen, says county Longford charity shop

A Lanesboro charity shop has appealed to people to stop leaving donations outside the shop door at night as the donations are being stolen.

Ann Farrell, who runs The Friends of Asthma Charity Shop in Lanesboro, also appealed to people not to treat donations as a dumping opportunity.

Speaking to the Longford Leader, Ann explained that pre-Christmas house clear outs has recently resulted in bags of items - often broken - being left at the shop door. Anything of use however is often stolen before Ann even arrives.

Recalling the worst incident of dumping, Ann says, “One night some months back, people dumped a couch and chairs here.

"They parked on Main Street and carried it in, probably thinking they were avoiding the security cameras by parking across the road but there’s CCTV everywhere. They were caught in the end and received a hefty fine.”

Ann added, “We have great customers and we receive wonderful donations from people but our biggest problem is dumping.

Outside the back door this morning were bags that had been dropped off last night. It was also pouring rain, so the items were soaking wet. If an item is damaged or broken, the shop can;t sell it. It actually costs us to get rid of it. In fairness, the council has come out and helped us with removals, but they'll have to draw the line somewhere too.”

With Christmas Day just over two weekends away, Ann has also asked poeple to keep Lanesborough's Friends of Asthma Charity Shop in mind should they wish to part ways with any unwanted gifts, Christmas decorations, or jumpers.
Donataions can be dropped in Monday-Friday from 10am-to-3pm or Saturday from 11am-to-3pm.

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