Charity targeted by vandals & thieves

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Police are trying to track down thieves and vandals who have been targeting the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization this holiday season.

Authorities are now asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects involved in the crimes.

Officers say a clothing donation bin near the Knights of Columbus Hall on Sandy Lane in Warwick was toppled over and set ablaze in early November.

According to fire officials, someone had set a cardboard paper towel roll stuffed with newspaper and dryer lint on fire and tossed it into the bin. The clothing inside was destroyed.

During Thanksgiving week, two large metal collection bins at the Trinity Episcopal Church in North Scituate were stolen, along with hundreds of pounds of clothing. The bins were valued at $1,200 each.

“The bins in North Scituate had only been in place two weeks, and represented a popular and convenient place for residents from that part of the state to become involved in and support our programs. It is disappointing that someone would do this to both a charity and a church,” Lori Viner said.

The organization collects gently used clothing benefiting nearly 500 local children annually.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact either the Warwick or Scituate police.

Click here for more information on helping out the BBBSOS.