Happy Corner the victim of Katherine Christmas crime

A Christmas crime nearly ruined a local Katherine business’ festivities, but fortunately community spirit prevailed. Read the story.

The gate was damaged in the attempted ram raid. Picture: Supplied

Happy Corner business owners Anna and Reynaldo were woken in the early hours of December 22 by a loud bang.

The husband and wife had taken to sleeping in their store every night since a significant ram raid on August 5, 2023.

“We never go home,” Anna said.

“We have to protect our property ourselves because we cannot afford the cost of crime.”

In the chaos of that separate August incident, Anna said she fell and fractured her arm, requiring a metal plate to be inserterted.

Fast forward to a few days before Christmas 2024 and the couple was reliving that experience.

Anna and Reynaldo sleep in their shop every night to protect against crime. Picture: Supplied

“Reynaldo woke me up to call the police,” Anna said.

“He grabbed a large stick and said ‘we have to stand up this time and defend ourselves’.”

“They didn’t get in fortunately, but the front door is very damaged.”

The damage broke through the heavy duty metal gate. Picture: Supplied

Anna said three youths were caught and arrested by police — two 12-year olds and a 14-year old.

“The police officer called me on Christmas Eve to let me know,” Anna said.

“He is an excellent, dedicated officer.”

Anna has been in Katherine since 1990.

She said crime continued to get “really bad”, but she was still glad to be part of the Katherine community.

That community turned up for Anna and Reynaldo when they needed it most.

Multiple tradies came to help the store owners repair. Picture: Supplied

“Because of the community spirit we could reopen,” Anna said.

“Local Member Jo Hersey came to show her support in the morning.”

Anna thanked local tradespeople including plumber Ben Scattini, carpenter John Forest, glazier Rouell and insurance broker Fiona Donovan who all pitched in to get the business back up and running.

Anna said Fiona and Shane Donovan helped by organising concrete bollards to protect the shop. Picture: Supplied

“I’m very happy with support from the Katherine community,” Anna said.

While the business is open again, Anna is still fearful.

“I change my appearance when I go to the shops,” Anna said.

“There’s some places I avoid.”

Happy Corner was able to reopen thanks to the community. Picture: Supplied

Anna claims she is often abused in the street by delinquents who have targeted her in the past.

“They yell at me and call me a f---ing Asian.

Anna is still committed to Katherine, but hopes the crime abates.

“It’s not the cost that affects me most — it’s the stress.”

Originally published as Happy Corner the victim of Katherine Christmas crime