Thieves have targeted Alzheimers Tauranga's fundraising plant stand for the third time in a year, stealing much-needed donations.

Manager Julie Sargisson says they don't know exactly how much was taken from the plant stand, but the thefts are becoming more deliberate each time.

The plant stand, which has been a feature outside the Alzheimers Tauranga office on 13th Avenue for more than 10 years, has had improvements made each time it has been broken into, but it hasn't been enough to deter the thieves.

'Each time it has been broken into, we have made the lock and money tin stronger,” says Julie, 'but they are really targeting our money.

'This time these shameless thieves have made quite an effort to prise the tin and ended up cutting the padlock. It is sad that someone has gone to such an effort to steal from a charity.

'Our plant stand should be a real win-win for our community. All items are donated. We usually have seasonal fruit, a variety of plants, seedlings and worm fertiliser. Because the items are donated, all we ask is a donation in return.

'We rely on donations and fundraising to continue to provide our services to some of our community's most vulnerable people.

'While it won't have been a lot of money taken, the plant stand is out of action at the most lucrative time of year when people are getting seedlings for their gardens.”

With the help of volunteers who have come up with a better system to keep the money safe, the plant stand will be back in action as soon as possible.