Charity Wants Thieves to Have 'Day in Court'

Before workers can find space inside the building for donations, thieves have been driving off with donated goods, including Christmas toys.

Ron Still is the director of Basic Needs Ministry.

“I know we’re a charity. I know we’re supposed to be compassionate, but right now I’d like to see these individuals at least have a day in court," he said.

Joe Trotter owns some businesses next door. Sometimes, he said, the thieves pull up in broad daylight and load up their vehicles.

“We’ve noticed certain vehicles here more than once. In fact, three times this week,” he said.

The building’s surveillance camera caught at least one vehicle. A woman can be seen pilfering the donated items. She pulled away minutes before a deputy showed up.

Still said he has requested that extra patrols from the sheriff’s come around more often. He said it's difficult to put a value on the stolen goods, but he said they're probably worth hundreds of dollars.

Basic Needs started in 2004. It's located at I-40 and N.C. Highway 42. It serves residents in the Cleveland Community of Johnston County and in Garner.