South West animal welfare volunteers have been left gobsmacked after Busselton's FAWNA Possum Finishing School was targeted by thieves.
On Friday, January 3, the organisation's president, Suzanne Strapp, uncovered the shed had been broken into during a routine check of the facility, which is typically home to rescued possums undergoing rehabilitation.
A number of items, including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, vacuum cleaners and other equipment, had been stolen - transported through a hole that had been cut into the shed wall.
It is understood that the majority of the items stolen had been purchased using fundraising donations.
Security cameras at the facility had also been disabled, but FAWNA Possum Finishing School vice-president Lorellyn Tomlinson said the organisation could not yet confirm whether it was related or purely coincidental.
South West Police have since attended the site to conduct forensic testing and the investigation is ongoing.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Ms Tomlinson said the incident had devastated the school's passionate volunteers.
"It's devastating," she said.
"It's really hard to put it into words.
"We're all so passionate about what we do and we try so hard. To have someone just completely disregard that is disappointing.
"It's bad enough that people feel that they can take people's stuff, but to take from a not-for-profit organisation that is caring about animal welfare - I cannot even put it into words.
"I am gobsmacked and very disheartened.
"It defies belief, it really does.
"I know that our volunteers are very upset, too."
Fortunately, the school was unoccupied at the time of the theft.
As word of the incident spread, Ms Tomlinson said residents have already reached out to help the organisation.
"We've already had some wonderful responses from our community, including a few young girls who wanted to do a toy sale for the finishing school," she said.
"It's really heartwarming."
To support the school, or to place a donation, visit www.fawna.com.au
If you have seen anything you believe to be suspicious, or that may assist with the investigation, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
