Sydney Mines thrift store posts security videos of thieves on social media

A Sydney Mines, N.S., charity store has been targeted by thieves stealing its clothing and household donations.

Nora's New to You Thrift Store has had to install video cameras and security lights to try to combat thefts, says manager Ellen Keagan.

It's difficult to understand what motivates people to steal from the store, she said.

"We're a non-profit agency, we're a vocational centre for adults with disabilities.The proceedsgotoHaleyStreet Centre,which operatesNora's."

Catching people in the act

It's the second time this montha local non-profit agency has spoken out about being the victim of crime. Last week, the Glace Bay Food Bank lost a big section of its vegetable garden to vandals.

Nora'seven lost its first security system to theftwhen the cameras and lights were stolen off the side of the building, Keagan said.

The new security video and light system is now tucked up underthe building's eaves.

The security videohas beencatching people in the act of stealing bags out of the donation bin, Keagan said. A recentvideo recordingshows the culprits driving up in newer model cars and SUVs.

Posting images on social media

The store has taken the unusual step of posting the videos on social media. A Facebook post on the store's page was viewed 8,000 times.

"It's a last resort,"Keagansaid.

"Over the last month, we've noticed an increase in traffic at night, also by day. Items we notice in our wooden bin at closing, the next morningappear to be missing."

Nora's is open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The store manager was incredulous when she firstsaw the images. One video shows a woman coming up to the building and taking items clearly meant for the charity store. She makes three trips with her arms full of items.

"I had to rewind the video and I got my co-workers and said, 'Could you come and check this?' Did she put that there or did she take it from there?Am I seeing this? Is this actually happening?'" Keagan said.