Kalidonis Taverna manager’s appeal after second break in a week

CCTV footage has captured a smash and grab break in at a Darwin restaurant repeatedly targeted by thieves. WATCH THE VIDEO

A DARWIN restaurant has been targeted in a smash and grab operation for the second time in just four days, causing hundreds of dollars in damage all for a case of beer.

Kalidonis Taverna manager Foula Karambetis said she was woken by the ring of her mobile at 2.30am on Thursday.

“Every time my mobile phone for work calls, I know it’s a break in,” Ms Karambetis said.

CCTV footage captured a man unsuccessfully attempt to break in by throwing a rock at the glass door, before trying to kick through the pane.

He then turned to a nearby window, this time smashing through the glass with rock before climbing in.

The man ran into the restaurant, heading directly to the drinks fridge as the alarm sounded.

The operations took just one minute, causing hundreds of dollars in damage.

Ms Karambetis said it was all for a few beers.

“My damage is worse than what they take,” she said.

A person breaks into Kalidonis Taverna. Supplied: CCTV Footage

The Palmerston mother-of-two said for the second time this week her Greek restaurant was targeted by thieves.

Three people broke into the Wood St business at 5.30am on Saturday, using rocks to break the glass and ripping the handle off the front door.

Glass shards, a trail of blood, and a collection of empty beer bottles were all that was left behind.

Ms Karambetis joked she was better off leaving the lights on and the door wide open at night to avoid the reckless damage.

She said the reason her business was being targeted was simple – the thieves were not being caught.

“They're getting away with it. That’s the only reason why they’re back.”

“He’ll be back.”

A person breaks into Kalidonis Taverna. Supplied: CCTV Footage

The restaurant manager said the business was suffering, with the latest burglaries just another knock following the vaccine mandates and a slowing hospitality sector.

She said this was the fourth break in this year.

Ms Karambetis said she was appealing for the police and Territory government to step in.

“I need someone to help,” she said. “This is unbelievable”

“I don’t know what to do anymore.

“I’m getting scared, they’re just targeting me more now.”

NT Police confirmed an investigation into the unlawful entry on Woods S at 2:45am was ongoing.

Police Minister Nicole Manison said the government had invested record funding into Police and diversion, with Strikeforce Trident working hard to tackle commercial property crime in Darwin and driving it down over the last few years.

“These break ins are unacceptable and tough for hardworking businesses - we will always do what we can to give them support,” Ms Manison said.

“We are making sure that young offenders are held accountable for the crimes that they commit and also ensuring we use every opportunity to stop young people reoffending and get them on a better path.

“We are starting to see early trends indicating that there is less repeat offending occurring and these reforms are having their intended impact.

“There is no silver bullet solution to tackling crime – we’ve just got to keep working hard at it.”

Originally published as Kalidonis Taverna manager’s appeal after second break in a week