Recent thefts at Thunder Bay, Ont., charities reflect crimes of desperation, organizations say

When Michelle Murdoch-Gibson arrived at the Rowan Tree Collective in Thunder Bay, Ont., on Monday, she discovered a brown patch of grass and a severed cable in the yard.

Then, she realized that was where the organization's barbecue used to be.

"Obviously during the time we were off, someone came and snipped the cable that was securing our barbecue and took it away," she said. "It was on wheels, so I guess that made it easier."

The non-profit, which supports adults with autism and other neurodiversity, posted about the theft Monday afternoon. Within a few hours, multiple people offered to donate their old barbecues or purchase a replacement.

Real estate broker Vince Mirabelli and his nephew, Alex, ended up ordering the organization's new barbecue.

"It's sad that somehow our barbecue has disappeared but there's a definite silver lining knowing that there are so many good folks in the community who want to help us," Murdoch-Gibson said.

Rowan Tree Collective isn't the only charity to face theft this summer. In late June, Our Kids Count saw its sod stolen from its yard.

"Everyone's working for a common cause to help out these charities and then this kind of stuff happens," Mirabelli said. "It's disheartening for the charity but I think it's also disheartening for the city as a whole, that this continues to happen."

Our Kids Count supports children and families in financial need through workshops including parenting and life skills, food and nutrition, and pre and post-natal support.

It's disheartening for the charity but I think it's also disheartening for the city as a whole, that this continues to happen.- Vince Mirabelli, local real estate broker

John Trevisanutto, dealer principal at Half-Way Motors Nissan Ltd., has been a long-time supporter of the organization. He explained the sod was being laid down to facilitate the construction of a new playground, and someone broke the lock to steal it.

After posting about the theft online, he said four different companies offered to replace the sod for free. 

"That kind of restores your faith in humanity," Trevisanutto said.

Our Kids Count has spent a lot of money on fencing, security cameras and locks, he said, but there is only so much that can be done to prevent incidents from occurring.

"There's a real lack of respect for property and a lot of desperate people," he said. "That money that was spent on fencing could have fed a lot of people."

Mental health, addictions at play

Mirabelli is working with Bay Lock and Security to get a better lock system in place at the Rowan Tree Collective to prevent the new barbecue from being stolen. Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is sharing advice to help others avoid property theft.

"Property crime is an ongoing concern and it's troubling for those affected, but particularly when it's affecting these types of non-profit organizations," said TBPS media relations co-ordinator Matt Vis.

"They're doing their best to make a positive difference in the community, often have limited resources, and so when something like this happens to them, it can be quite a setback and it's very devastating, frankly, for the community."

The police service encourages people to keep their valuables locked up or hidden as much as possible. They're also urged to keep a record of serial numbers for items such as bicycles, which makes it easier to track them if they're stolen.

"There's always the option to install surveillance cameras. Those can act not only as a deterrent for potential thefts if people see them posted on a residence or a building, but if there is to be an incidence of theft, that can also provide valuable evidence that may be used in a future investigation," Vis said.

As for the cause of crimes like these, Vis said there are many factors.

"We are a community that faces significant challenges around mental health and addictions, and we know quite often that people that are experiencing those challenges will resort to crime as a way to meet their needs," he said.

Linda Bruins at Evergreen A United Neighbourhood said she sees this firsthand. The organization, which runs a youth drop-in centre in the Simpson-Ogden neighbourhood, has had ongoing challenges with people using substances and leaving drug paraphernalia on the property.

Evergreen has spent thousands of dollars on security measures, including fencing in the yard, security cameras and installing a steel door — which was donated — with a heavy-duty lock after repeated break-ins. 

"I think we have to start connecting more with people and care about our neighbours, keeping an eye out on them," Bruins said. "I think we've lost that over time."

Improving people's sense of social inclusion and community belonging is key, she said, and something she's seen decline since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have to face some hard issues and we all have to work together to make it better," Bruins said.

Trevisanutto said he suspects addiction is behind many of the city's thefts, though he empathizes with those dealing with substance abuse.

"All you can do is make sure you keep things secure, monitored and locked up. That's it. And when you're out there in the community trying to help, you [have] got to be careful you're not too judgmental or you'll just stop doing what you do," Trevisanutto said.

Back at the Rowan Tree Collective, Murdoch-Gibson said her team isn't letting the recent theft dampen their spirits. The organization has a number of events planned for the summer, including outdoor lunches, fitness programming, and a tie-dye session with a subsequent fashion show.

"We're getting folks outside, giving them access to good physical activity, practicing life skills, making our own lunches, having lots of social opportunities with their peer group, really giving some purposeful, meaningful activities to their days," she said.