Disgraceful act just before Christmas: Thieves steal truck full of toys meant for disadvantaged Aussie kids

The shocking moment thieves made off with a truck-full of Christmas presents meant for disadvantaged Aussie kids has been caught on camera. 

The heartless incident took place at the Community Cafe Outreach Service in Sadleir, in Sydney’s south-west, during the early hours of Saturday, November 16. 

In CCTV from the centre, the thieves are seen breaking into a small shed on the property before systematically removing dozens of brand-new toys. 

The gifts, as well as clothing and home appliances such as kettles and toasters, were loaded into a white truck and driven away by the gang of thieves. 

Community Cafe CEO Kirsty Parkes said she was left heartbroken after discovering all of the donated presents had been stolen.

‘We felt sick… just to have everything that we had poured our heart and soul into… ripped out overnight, I can’t even describe [it],’ she told Sunrise on Wednesday. 

‘It felt personal.’ 

Ms Parkes shared a photo of the mess the thieves had made in the shed after volunteers spent the weekend neatly organising the gifts. 

Community Cafe Outreach Service CEO Kirsty Parkes (pictured) said she was left heartbroken when she realised the Christmas gifts had been stolen

The truck belongs to the Young Adults Disabled Association, which is a charity the organisation works with to deliver goods and services to families in need. 

Ms Parkes said the toys were set to be handed out at the organisation’s annual Christmas party in less than a month’s time on December 15. 

‘These kids are some of the poorest kids in Australia. If they don’t have the toys from us, they don’t have Christmas, she said.  

‘To have somebody come in and take that away is just deplorable.’

Ms Parkes said police are still trying to track down the vehicle after conducting a search of the neighbourhood on Tuesday.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Police are investigating after a Kia panel van was stolen and a premises were broken into at Sadleir. 

‘Officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command have been told between Sunday 17th November and Monday 18th November 2024 unknown person have entered a property on Celebration Road, Sadleir, stealing a white 2003 Kia panel van with orange stickers on the side and various donated electrical items and toys.’

Ms Parkes uploaded an emotional video to Facebook on Monday urging locals and businesses to donate toys and gifts for children in need.

‘People here are really suffering and to do this is an act of absolute desperation. We’re here everyday… we give this [toys] out for free. We’re not asking for money donations, we’re just asking for toys for the kids,’ she said.

The break-in is the latest in nine previous incidents at the centre.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.