FINDING Futures has been dealt another blow, with the theft of thousands of dollars worth of power tools.
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In what has been a torrid fortnight for the disability service organisation, they were the victims of a brazen theft overnight on Tuesday.
More than $5000 in power tools were stolen from Futures Property Services in Wendouree, which employs people with disabilities on building projects.
As part of its work, Futures Property Services is contracted to complete a range of building maintenance tasks and also runs the Futures Christmas Tree Farm.
It also runs the House and Community Care program, which makes homes in Ballarat accessible for elderly and disabled people.
Team leader Ben McGowan said it was extremely disappointing that someone had targeted the disability provider.
Thieves cut through a fence and smashed windows to gain access to the tools, which included power drills, angle-grinders and other power tools.
Finding Futures last week unexpectedly missed out on federal government funding in the competitive disability employment services round, despite 20 years in the community.
Up to 42 jobs could be lost, although the organisation is in talks with other service providers to try and secure future employment.
“It’s been blow after blow lately,” said Mr McGowan.
“It’s a fairly low act. It’s disappointing it happened and it’s really put us out of action for a while.”
Although it is expected most of the costs will be recovered through insurance, Mr McGowan said it was upsetting that people would knowingly target a disability provider.
“We have mostly disabled workers and it impacts them a fair bit,” he said.
Any witnesses to the theft or anybody with information is asked to contact Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on 5336 6080.
patrick.nolan@thecourier.com.au