ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Habitat-Roanoke is sad to announce that over the past 18 months, they have had to endure repeated acts of vandalism and theft, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage, and are seeking community support.
Last week a rooftop AC unit was destroyed, and around $50 worth of scrap aluminum and copper was removed, setting the organization back $9,000.
The Habitat-Roanoke’s Director of Development, David Tate tells WFXR News “That is nothing.”
“Over the past 18 months, we have had three catalytic converters stolen, one destroyed, a gas tank drilled, supplies out of locked storage stolen, an ac unit dismantled for scrap, holes cut through the fence, barbed wire cut out, propane tanks stolen, windshields smashed in to get inspection stickers, work trailers broken into, with heavy damage, and tools stolen from those trailers. It is literally like a crime wave at a Christian ministry.” – David Tate, Director of Development Habitat-Roanoke
The non-profit organization feels they are left with no choice at this point but to reach out and highlight the issue in a plea to the community for help, something they preferred not to do.
“We don`t know what else to do but to highlight this atrocity as Habitat-Roanoke is a non-profit ministry. I am simply beyond myself as I look at the accumulative destruction and loss we have suffered from these thieves and vandals.” – David Tate
If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact the Roanoke Police Department at 540-853-2212.
