Thieves steal $50,000 in materials from Westshore holiday tent site

An estimated $50,000 worth of materials was stolen from a Metropolitan Ministries site in the Westshore area of Tampa. The nonprofit reported that thieves broke into the facility and took aluminum from its pipe-and-drape equipment along with several other items.

The stolen equipment is used to build temporary walls and dividers inside the organization's holiday tents. These structures help organize spaces for the families and volunteers who use the sites. James Dunbar, Vice President of Outreach, Prevention and Community Partnership, said the tents were erected about two weeks before the theft. Staff began moving product from warehouses to build out the sites over the following week.

Dunbar stated that the pipe-and-drape equipment arrived during that second week. Staff noticed the items were missing by the end of the week. The materials had been staged for use in four holiday tents located in Hillsborough, East Pasco, West Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The tents serve families who may not have access to Thanksgiving or Christmas meals or toys for their children.

The theft occurred as Metropolitan Ministries prepared to assist more than 30,000 families and children during the upcoming holiday seasons. The organization stated it is working with its vendor to replace the stolen materials so the tents can open on schedule. Dunbar noted that the organization serves families across the Tampa Bay area to make the holidays possible for them.

Metropolitan Ministries also indicated it needs additional food drive partners. Dunbar explained that the food drive component requires approximately 800 drives. The organization currently has between 200 and 250 drives booked. He described these drives as the primary source of the product used to support the families.

Dr. Sarah Combs, President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, issued a statement regarding the incident. She said, "While this is an unexpected setback, our focus remains on the families who are counting on us this holiday season." The organization is asking for donations, volunteers for the holiday tents, and organizers for food or in-kind donation drives.

The Tampa Police Department is investigating the theft. The department asked anyone with information to call (813) 231-6130 and reference report number 26-623895.