Stealing from anyone is wrong, but being accused of stealing from the poor, or less fortunate, is worse.

The lead story in Monday's STAR brought the story of a man, who is accused of conning charity organisation Food for the Poor out of goods amounting to more than $350,000.

It is alleged that the man visited the organisation on 12 occasions pretending to represent of various churches and organisations. He allegedly collected the items under the guise that they would be given to the less fortunate.

Though we do not know if this man is guilty, this case is not the first of its kind and, perhaps, will not be the last. In a nation with so many under-privileged some, it is sad to see that there are some, who seemingly have no qualms about robbing the poor.

Those found guilty of stealing from churches, or institutions devoted to serving the less fortunate, should be made to do hours of community service with the same organisations, as well as repay or return whatever they stole.

Such allegation are indeed depressing and represent a disturbing breakdown of morals in our society. We do hope that this matter is investigated and dealt with quickly by the police and the courts.