Police arrest alleged offender after Richard Watt Optometrist break-in

With the teen who allegedly smashed up his shop arrested, a small business owner says it’s time teen thugs aren’t just told “you’re a naughty boy” before being let back onto the streets. SEE THE VIDEO

A popular Fraser Coast optometrist is once again counting the cost of another break-in at his business, but it's not the senseless damage or Sunday clean-up that angers him the most.

Instead, it's the reality of what will or, more importantly, likely won’t happen, to the alleged teenage culprit.

Richard Watt and his wife Gwen had stopped by their shop on Main St, Hervey Bay on their way to church Sunday morning when they realised the front glass door had been shattered, leaving a gaping hole.

A popular Fraser Coast optometrist is once again counting the cost of another break-in.

A review of security footage revealed a young male had thrown an object through the door about 1am and climbed through, casually walking behind the counter, rummaging through drawers and even taking a drink from the water cooler before heading back to the door.

As he's about to leave, the teen can be seen doubling back to pick up a large rock before leaving without having stolen anything from inside.

The Chronicle understands a 14-year-old male has been taken into custody.

Mr Watt said the casual nature of the video was alarming and seemed to also reflect the attitude of young offenders who weren't concerned about consequences.

“We just feel angry that often, nothing comes of this... the police have been so good, they were on to it in a flash.

“But, he's a minor, he’s just going to get let go... it’s the legislation, the court system that has to change.

Richard and Gwen Watt.

“Police know that... they told us ‘it’s really hard, what they need is discipline but all we can do is wave our finger in their face and say naughty boy’,” Gwen added.

The Watts are among the most philanthropic couples in the Fraser Coast community, regularly giving back through sponsorship of multiple local events, free eye tests at local primary schools and the support of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre Bayside Transformations along with an ongoing fundraiser for a town still recovering from the devastating New South Wales bushfires.

Sadly however, they have become all too familiar with the post-break-in process.

Most notably, $50,000 of gear was stolen from their business in 2018, a crime which left Richard to log more than 200 extra hours just to fill out forms and deal with the fallout.

“The saddest part is, we are the kind of people who help people when they are struggling... if someone came to us and said they were desperate we would probably help them,” Mrs Watt said

“If you are desperate, please don't break in, just say something.

Richard Watt and his wife Gwen had stopped by their shop on Main St, Hervey Bay on their way to church Sunday morning when they realised the front glass door had been shattered.

“This person doesn’t look desperate though...they are casual, like it doesn’t matter.”

The optometry couple weren't the only small business owners in Hervey Bay to take a hit in the past week.

Auto Pro, Hervey Bay Artisan Pasta and the Sticky Fig cafe were among multiple others targeted.

Just last Wednesday, Hervey Bay Detective Senior Sergeant David Harbison, announced police had arrested a 14-year-old boy over nine business break-ins and were still searching for another juvenile.

“Considerable damage was caused though so that’s a great nuisance factor,” he said at the time.

“We have had a number of property crime offences in the Hervey Bay division unfortunately in the recent past. Detectives have been cleaning up those offences when we can.”

With the teen who allegedly smashed up his shop arrested, a small business owner says it's time teen thugs aren't just told 'you're a naughty boy' before being let back onto the streets.