Break-ins becoming the ‘ new normal’: Store owner

THE co-owner of the Batchelor General Store says break-ins are becoming the new normal after the business was broken into twice on two consecutive days

Batchelor General Store co-owner Maree Bell. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

THE co-owner of a rural area general store says break-ins are becoming the new normal after the business was broken into twice on two consecutive days.

Batchelor General Store was targeted by two different groups of thieves in the early hours of Thursday and Friday.

One broke into the business’ back office, attempted to open a safe and stole a large quantity of cigarettes, while the following night another group smashed the glass front doors and took a number of mobile phones.

Batchelor General Store co-owner Maree Bell estimated the thieves had stolen $5000 worth of goods and caused more than $1300 damage.

She said the store had been broken into five times in 2019 and twice this year.

“It’s just a normal day,” she said.

“We thought this year was going to be a really good year but unfortunately that doesn’t look like it’s going to be the case.”

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Ms Bell said staff had looked into extra security measures and would be implementing some soon, but there were limits to what they could to prevent break-ins.

“There’s not much you can do about it, and nine out of ten times they just get a slap on the wrist and are back out on the street again,” she said.