Salvation Army invests in CCTV after crimewave

• Tens of thousands spent on new security
• Precious resources taken away from families
• People caught red handed stealing from bins

THE Salvation Army has been forced into a national roll-out of surveillance cameras in its stores and donation bins to combat theft that is costing the charity about $1m a year.

The thefts have increased in recent months - with some cases involving parents caught lowering children into clothing bins by the ankles to try to steal donations.

Salvos Stores boss Allen Dewhirst said thieves often viewed the charity as a soft target because the goods had been donated.

"We want to reinforce that any time people take goods from our stores, either from the shop itself or from outside the stores, it is stealing," Mr Dewhirst said.

"Without the funding that Salvos Stores provide, the Salvation Army couldn't do all that it does."

While some stores have used cameras before as a deterrent, the improved surveillance will be actively used in police prosecutions.

The Salvos are also training staff to recognize and approach shoplifters and in techniques to handle aggressive customers safely.

Mr Dewhirst said the increased theft was disappointing because the charity’s prices were very reasonable and people in genuine need could always seek their help.

"As is always the case, the people who steal are not the ones who are most in need," Mr Dewhirst said. "These people sell them on eBay or something similar, to make a profit."

The move comes as the Salvos launched their Christmas gift appeal today.

The Salvation Army’s Major Peter Sutcliffe said more than 80,000 needed the charity’s help for the first time last year and urged Australians to give generously.

“It’s important to remember people of all ages need our support and, in particular, teenage boys and girls, as this is the age group that most often goes without at Christmas,” Major Sutcliffe said. “A few simple ideas include books, clothing, games, toys and sports equipment.”