Sunshine Coast jewellery store To Hold and To Have in Buderim allegedly robbed
A Sunshine Coast businesswoman has to temporarily close her doors in the build up to her busiest trade period after an alleged attack on her jewellery store.
Sunshine Coast
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A Sunshine Coast single mum and business owner previously threatened by thieves has been left to pick up the pieces after her jewellery store was allegedly robbed and “trashed” yesterday morning.
Jo Saxelby-Balisky said her family-run jewellery store To Hold and To Have along King St, Buderim was robbed about 2.50am on December 5, with retail stock stolen and a computer, displays and vintage cabinets damaged.
“[They] just trashed the place,” she said.
A Queensland Police spokesman said police received a call shortly after 3am on December 5 after two unknown suspects allegedly broke into the jewellery store about 2.55am.
The spokesman said two men allegedly stole several jewellery items after entering the store by smashing its glass front door.
The pair allegedly fled after six minutes, but returned 25 minutes later to steal more items before leaving in a black hatchback.
Ms Saxelby-Balisky said her store’s alarm system notified her about the incident and she was the first person at the scene.
She said she might have to close her award-winning jewellery store for about a week while she tidied, fixed and prepared to reopen.
The single mum said this incident occurred at “absolutely the worst time” time too, with customers looking for gifts ahead of Christmas.
“It’s quite disheartening,” she said.
While the break-in was gutting, she said it was “fantastic” to be supported by her local community, saying 30 to 40 people had stopped by with some picking up glass, vacuuming floors and bringing her food.
“The community is very much a blessing,” she said.
Ms Saxelby-Balisky, who opened her store in 2014, said this wasn’t her first encounter with a robber.
In June last year, she was allegedly hauled over a counter and had a screwdriver placed in her face by a man who allegedly robbed her venue.
She also wasn’t the only jewellery store owner feeling the sting of robberies recently.
Maleny Jewellers lost about $2000 of stock and suffered $5000 worth of damages after thieves broke in using an axe and sledgehammer on November 30.
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