A security firm has donated its services to an Aberdeenshire charity shop after its stock was stolen and thrown into the River Dee.
Thieves broke into the Clan Cancer Support store in Ballater last week and hurled goods that has been donated by supporters across the nearby path and into the river.
Bill Cheyne, commercial development manager of Inverurie-based Safetrade 24/7, read about the group’s plight in the Press and Journal and has now offered to donate, deliver and build a secure storage unit at the site.
Mr Cheyne said: “The type of unit we’re giving them is used extensively on and offshore, so it’s really secure, they won’t have to worry again.
“The units are easy to use, they’re not like the old containers that have a big heavy lock that needs four big sturdy guys to open.
“This one just needs two security locks, so the ladies will be able to get in and out without having to humph open a huge door.
“We’re going to let them choose the right size of unit for them, brand new as well.
“I think everybody nowadays gets touched by cancer in some way, so we as a local company want to support Clan in any way we can.”
Gemma Powell, Clan’s Aberdeenshire area service coordinator, said: “It’s brilliant, we’re just really happy that Safe Trade have come forward and offered to give us this secure unit.
“It’s fantastic help for us because a new storage place has been on our list for some time now.
“It was horrible when we found that our old shed had been broken into, but the unit that Bill has offered will be much more secure, and more fit for purpose, so we’re happy that a positive has come out of a negative.”
Police said inquiries into the incident were ongoing last night.
Last week’s raid was the latest in a series of attacks on Clan’s premises in Ballater.
Volunteers found a lighter when they were tidying up the mess and fear the damage could have been much worse if the vandals had started a fire.
The team appealed to the culprits to stop and think about the impact of their actions on all of the people associated with Clan in the area.
Based in Aberdeen, the charity provides support to the whole of he north-east of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland.