Man had to be cut from clothes bank

A WOULD-BE thief had to be cut out of a charity clothes bank with an angle grinder after becoming trapped inside.

Firefighters cut the man free early last Friday morning as police were called to the scene by a member of the public.

The police arrested a man, who has not been named, on suspicion of criminal damage and attempted theft, but he was later released.

A passer-by told the Post that the man had relieved himself inside the giant container after finding himself trapped.

The shopper, who chose not to be named, said that the bumbling thief attracted attention after he began to smoke inside the metal donation point. Charity workers arriving at St Peter's Hospice on Gloucester Road in the morning were shocked to find their bin wrecked by the rescue mission and the donated clothes inside destroyed.

Janet Loud, of St Peter's Hospice, told the Post: "We are obviously very upset about the damage to the bin and the clothes were all destroyed."

She added: "More than anything, it's the inconvenience really. Without the clothing bank being in position it means we won't be having any stock for weeks while we get it replaced."

She added: "It's been a real shock for the staff who work so hard to raise the money they do every single day."

"You just don't expect it. The last thing you want is to see some one has stolen clothes donated to the shop."

Avon and Somerset Police said they received reports that a man was inside a clothing bank at around midnight on Thursday.

Spokesperson Martin Dunscombe said: "The fire service attempted to release him by cutting him out of the metal container.

"He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and attempted theft. After being interviewed he was released with no charge."

A spokesman at the Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two fire engines attended the incident, one carrying specialist cutting equipment.

"Rescue teams used an angle grinder to try to get in to the metal container. One man was rescued and left in police custody."

St Peter's Hospice last year warned that a increasing proportion of their donations is swallowed up by doorstep swoops by thieves. They urged people to keep donating after last Friday's incident.

Donations can still be dropped at the shop during normal opening hours. Alternatively donors can call the stock collection line on 0800 5830 015 to arrange pick up.

Source: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Man-cut-clothes-bank/story-16594062-detail/story.html

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