The theft of clothing from bring banks is an increasing and serious problem, a Garda inspector has said.
Garda Insp Kieran Keyes made the comment at Tullamore District Court as he prosecuted Dimitru Pirvu (24), Lucan, Co Dublin, for theft and criminal damage at a bring bank on the Daingean Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on March 4th.
Gardaí had arrested a man there who was bagging clothes in the back of a van. During questioning he expressed concern for his friend who was still in the container.
Pirvu was seen climbing out of a Breast Cancer Ireland clothes bank by gardaí who had been called to the scene by a concerned citizen.
Judge Catherine Staines described stealing “clothes donated to charity for a good cause” as “the lowest of the low”. She described the operation as “professional” and jailed Pirvu for eight months.
Aidan Kenny, business development manager with Textile Recycling Ireland which operates the bring bank and over 1,000 clothes banks across the State, said thieves were “taking advantage of the good charitable deeds of Irish people”.