Martin DeRuyter / Stuff
In May, The Male Room was targeted by tree thieves. Now their braai has been taken.
Male Room founder Philip Chapman feels “bombed”.
For the third time in less than a year, thieves targeted the Nelson organization, a walk-in center that provides advocacy and support.
In October, someone stole their fridge. In May, thieves cut lights and dug up a handful of newly planted shrubs.
Now, their braai is gone.
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“They climbed over the back fence, stole the braai, lid and a new gas bottle,” Chapman said.
Then they cut the bolt on the gate on their way out, Chapman said. “They just drove it away.”
The braai was a popular item, used to cook a lunch of sausage and sometimes even bacon for breakfast.
“You could say we are cups to let it out, but it is used a lot.”
Chapman did not report the latest theft to police (“what’s the point?”), But he considered further security measures.
“Does that mean we get cameras? Many of the guys will not want to be on camera. ”
He felt “a little bombarded” by the ongoing thefts, he said.
“It’s not great. I’m not losing sleep, but it’s constant and annoying, and it’s a rotten trick to do at an agency that tries to help people.”
Chapman has asked anyone who has had an unwanted braai to consider getting in touch with him at The Male Room at 28 Saint Vincent St.