Anchor Self Storage in Lake Wylie, N.C., has donated a security system to the Sweet Repeat Charitable Foundation after the nonprofit suffered several break-ins. Items were taken twice in November and again in January from the organization’s unlocked donation shed behind its thrift store at 4082 Charlotte Highway in the Lake Wylie Plaza.
Steve Gentry, owner, and Yvette Herberger, manager, of Anchor Self Storage, donated a security system valued at more than $500 to replace Sweet Repeat’s outdated equipment. “I felt bad their donations were getting stolen,” said Herberger, who saw online footage of thieves stealing from the shed. “They [got to] have a better camera than that. I can make sure they can catch possible future thefts with better equipment.”
The surveillance system includes a DVR with high-definition, ultra-clear night vision and two cameras. It’s similar in quality to the one Anchor uses, Herberger told the source. The system was installed free of charge by Van Orcutt Jr., owner of Carolina Access Control.
“Thanks to the new equipment and monitoring system, Sweet Repeat is in much better shape to protect the donations that do come in during off hours,” Lisa Hooper, the charity’s first vice president, told the source. “With the new equipment, we will continue to give back to the community and provide a safer and more secure environment.”
Sweet Repeat reported thefts on Nov. 8 and 18 as well as Jan. 26. Volunteers found the storage shed completely empty, the source reported. Golf clubs were also reportedly stolen from the unit on July 5. A volunteer reviewing video footage noticed a man dropping off donations and taking the clubs. Sweet Repeat has operated at the plaza for more than 15 years. The shed has never had a lock, the source reported.
Jonica Suzanne Palmer and Jack Emmett Stallings Jr. were charged with burglary, criminal conspiracy, petit larceny and possession of tools used in a crime in connection with the January theft, the source reported.
Money raised through the thrift store is donated to local charities and organizations. It also funds scholarships for Clover High School students. The nonprofit donates nearly $100,000 annually.
“At this pace, we’re not going to be able to reach our goal. All the organizations we give to are going to suffer. It’s just not fair,” Eve Foery, co-manager of Sweet Repeat, told the source.
Anchor Self Storage is a member of Carolina Storage Now, which operates six properties in the Carolinas, including another Anchor Self Storage facility in Cornelius, N.C.
Sources:
- The Herald: Businesses Look Out for Lake Wylie Neighbor
