Thieves loot Hawkesbury food bank

It certainly wasn't a very merry Christmas for the Hawkesbury Central Food Bank.

After making several pleas to the community and council for assistance, the financially-strapped food bank received another blow over the holiday weekend when thieves broke in to the food bank and made off with food and other valuables.

Susan Baril, the wife of former food bank president René Baril, confirmed the robbery on Monday, December 26 but noted the incident occurred sometime over the last few days.

Ontario Provincial Police were dispatched to the scene at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, and an investigation determined the theft most likely occurred on Christmas Eve.

OPP Const. Pierre Dubois said the investigation is "still status quo" as the police search for suspects and appeal to the public for help.

"Essentially, the suspects gained access through a side door," he noted. "They stole 12 cases of sausages, two computers, and approximately $100 of money. It's a sad event, especially since it's a charitable organization that works to provide food for families."

It's no secret that the food bank has been struggling over the past few months and has pleaded with town council for financial assistance to help make ends meet.

René Baril warned that if the food bank doesn't receive some help offsetting its cost, it's unclear how long it will be able to continue to operate.

Hawkesbury Mayor René Berthiaume said he was "out of town" and hadn't heard about the robbery, though he noted he was saddened to hear about the incident.

"I don't have any sympathy for the people who did it," he told media.

Councillor Michel Beaulne told media he was "upset" to hear about the robbery, especially considering "the food bank was already having a tough time."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Hawkesbury OPP at 613-632-2729. Persons giving tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

- with files from Justin Bromberg