Ajay’s Gaming considering shutting down after months of harassments

A popular gaming store in Mildura is considering closing after months of relentless harassment from youths.

The owner of a gaming store in the state’s northwest is at her wits end, saying youths have been harassing her business.

Ajay’s Gaming in Mildura has become something of an institution in the gaming scene in rural Victoria and South Australia but owner Lee Perri says a gang of local children has made it their mission to make her life difficult, resulting in significant personal and professional stress.

The group has been making prank calls to various agencies using Ms Perri’s name and number, including Bupa and Gamblers Anonymous, and leaving negative reviews online.

This has led to a significant loss of business, Ms Perri says.

In addition to the prank calls, the group has also threatened Ms Perri’s safety.

Ajay’s Gaming in Mildura has become something of an institution in the gaming scene in regional Victoria, but the business is now being forced to consider shutting down after consistant harassment.

She has received abusive phone calls, and the group has made horrific rape threats against the business owner.

Ms Perri has been in contact with the police and they are currently aware of the matter she still feels their hands are tied due to the age of the children.

“Police have now identified them by their phone calls, we’ve had Telstra track their calls and everything,” Ms Perri said.

“The police have visited their homes and spoken to them, spoken to their parents … (but) because of their age police are telling me they can’t do anything.”

Ms Perri believes the harassment began when three of the children stole from her store and damaged some stock, resulting in them being banned.

While Ms Perri values trust in her business, she is adamant theft will not be tolerated, and anyone caught stealing will be banned.

The harassment has taken a toll on both Ms Perri’s personal life and her business.

She has had to shut down her Google business listing and has lost customers due to the negative online reviews.

The prank calls have also resulted in Ms Perri having to spend hours fielding calls, often on her only day off.

Ms Perri has considered shutting down Ajay’s Gaming.

“I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s just so frustrating,” she said.

“I can’t believe these kids are doing this, and the police can’t do anything about it. I just want to run my business and not have to worry about this kind of thing.”

Mildura police have confirmed the matter is being investigated