Lompoc non-profit hit twice in one week by burglars
A Lompoc thrift shop that gives back to the community, has been hit twice in one week with thefts and break-ins and we have the surveillance footage of the alleged thieves in action.
The first time a burglar hopped his fence and stole a bike, Chuck Madson wasn’t even mad.
“We saw the individual take a bike and get it back over the fence, I applaud him for his Spiderman moves,” said Madson, Director of Pay it Forward Thrifts and Gifts in Lompoc.
However, when two people returned the very next day and caused a few hundred bucks in damage, he says it was an “intrusion.”
“Seeing two people go through our stuff, breaking the fence, that one bothered me,” said Madson.
Alleged thieves, stealing donations, bikes and breaking the gate of a non-profit.
“It hurts, the idea behind the store is to give back to those in need and we have those resources through other non-profits in town, through the police department and other places. All people have to do is come in and ask for help,” said Madson.
For Madson, Pay it Forward is more than just the name of his store, it’s a way of life.
“Our mission through Pay it Forward, through Coast Valley Treatment Centers, through food distributions that we do in town, is to give back to the community,” said Madson.
Lompoc Police say property crime in California is on the rise and Madson’s surveillance footage will help.
“The thing that I like about this community is that everybody knows everybody. So it’s not that long before we start getting some leads and we’re able to identify a suspect,” said Sgt. Kevin Martin, Lompoc Police Department.
As Police investigate, Pay it Forward plans to do just that.
“If the individuals were somehow caught, I would be there in court for them to offer them free substance-abuse treatment, a home in one of our sober living beds and then they could do community service to pay us back at the store,” said Madson.
There is a silver lining here, a generous community member stepped up and offered to help. Robert Dunlap is repairing the fence free of charge.
Madson also hopes to someday turn the scene of the crime into a community garden.
If you recognize the people in the surveillance footage, please contact police.
