Emma’s Bakery unwavering despite second burglary

The owner of a Ballarat bakery says thieves who raided the store overnight wouldn’t keep down her and her staff’s spirits.

Alfredton bakery Emma's Bakery owner Emma Conroy (centre) with staff. Picture: Facebook

The owner of a Ballarat bakery remains resolute in the face of two recent burglaries, one of which occurred overnight as two thieves raided the small business.

Emma’s Bakery owner Emma Conroy said her Sturt St business’s alarms triggered at 2.15am on Wednesday, with CCTV showing a vehicle reverse up to the door before two men exit.

She said one kept a lookout as another spent six minutes jimmying open the door and then heading behind the bakery’s counter.

The pair made out with about $100 of change, Ms Conray said, once they had ripped open the till and rummaged through cupboards.

It’s not the first time the business has been targeted: in April, thieves smashed a door and took money, technology, a cookie jar, and a few drinks to boot.

“It’s more just the disruption to the trade of the day,” Ms Conray said.

“The break-in’s one thing, but business is so incredibly difficult right now that this is the last thing that people need.

“It’s pretty s--t.”

Ms Conray said that despite her safety feeling somewhat compromised, she would “put on a brave face” for the 28 workers she employs across two shops.

“It’s probably good for me to get open and trading so you don’t sit there and dwell on it all day,” she said.

“The manager was quite upset. They all kind of love the place as well so it hits them pretty hard.

“But you can’t keep good women down. They can steal from us but they won’t keep us down.”

Emma’s Bakery was temporarily closed as police went through the scene, but is now open.

Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.