‘Repair shop’ rallies

Te Awamutu’s very own “Repair Shop” has been given overwhelming support after thieves raided their headquarters last week.

When Menz Shed life member Clive Partington was first to arrive at their building last Thursday he realised the club’s Tormek wet stone grinder and DeWalt drop saw were missing.

All for one… Tiger Building Waikato owners Lawrence Boucher and Diane Cunningham, Menz Shed member Ken Glew, Fresh Choice owners Vanessa and James Clark and Menz Shed chairperson Steve Mannington.

The stolen tools have a combined value of around $3,800.

There was outrage on-line at the culprits, and an immediate wave of support.

Menz Shed received what chairperson Steve Mannington called “a generous donation” from residents and businesses on Friday.

But, fearing another burglary, Mannington doesn’t wish to reveal exactly what was donated.

“We don’t want the ratbags coming back… but the support still needs to be acknowledged,” he said.

Mannington said they received support from Mitre 10 Mega, Fresh Choice and Tiger Building Waikato.

The owners of Tiger Building, Ngāhinapōuri couple Lawrence Boucher and Diane Cunningham, were more than happy to help.

“They’re a bunch of retired guys and they get in there and help people. When we found out a bunch of mongrels had broken into their place, we knew we were in a position to give, so we did,” said Boucher.

“They’re doing it for free, doing a lot for the community, schools and so forth… it was something we could afford to do, and we wanted to give them a bit of support.”

Menz Shed installed temporary wooden boards over their windows last week to prevent future break-ins.

Mannington says the wooden boards will soon be replaced with steel bars, and the organisation is investigating surveillance options.

Read the initial story here: Stolen tools

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