Gawler business left ‘heartbroken’ after two break-ins in 12 hours during targeted crime wave
The business owner of a popular cafe has been left picking up the pieces again after thieves hit the premises twice in the space of 12 hours.
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A business owner has been left “heartbroken” and feeling “taken advantage of” after her cafe north of Adelaide was broken into twice – in one night.
The Gawler Heritage Cafe, which sits in the Gawler Railway Station, was broken into twice in a 12-hour window — and four times within the last year.
An SA Police spokeswoman said four youths were involved in a break-in about 7.45pm on Tuesday.
Less than 12 hours later, Gawler Heritage Cafe owner Marie-Anne San Gabriel shared on Facebook she’d been broken into again, early on Wednesday morning.
The break-ins come after the small business was vandalised over the Easter long weekend, when a rock was thrown through its front window.
Ms San Gabriel, who is originally from the Philippines, said she would be forced to close the cafe if she was targeted again.
“I didn’t realise these types of robberies were happening in Australia — it’s not a third world country like where I came from,” she said.
“It’s not about the drinks or chips, it’s about my effort to make this cafe look good and welcoming to the customers.
“If it keeps happening, what do I do?”
A fridge was emptied during the break-in, and the thieves “took all the Mentos, Cokes, energy drinks and iced coffees,” Ms San Gabriel said, responding to comments of concern on her Facebook posts.
“When you put a lot of effort into making the cafe a welcoming, friendly and safe environment for regulars and newcomers,” she said.
“Then there’s people who take advantage of it by breaking the very place you have worked hard on.”
The thieves attempted to break in a third time on Wednesday – while Ms San Gabriel was cleaning up the mess, she said.
Since sharing the news, the cafe has been met with support and sympathy from regulars and Gawler locals.
“This is disgusting, we live pretty much just over the other side of the train line and it’s horrible to think these type of people are out and about,” one commenter said.
“Oh sweetheart you must be feeling so mad and asking why at this point. We are so lucky having you there,” another said.
Ms San Gabriel admits the incidents have taken a toll on not only her mental wellbeing, but her physical health.
“I have no peace of mind when I go home, I just keep checking my phone to see if the police are calling,” she said.
She said she couldn’t afford to bolster security in the heritage-listed building and could only protect her business with stopgap measures.
Despite being targeted, the longtime owner still uses her tips to help feed the homeless or customers who are down on their luck.
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