Hammer used as thieves smash into Widgee General Store

The owner of a small shop about 25km west of Gympie has spoken out after two thieves bashed their way into the store in the early hours of the morning.

The owner of the Widgee General Store says an overnight robbery by hammer-wielding thieves has left him “stressed” and “despondent” as police hunt for those responsible.

DJ Singh said on Monday he was alerted to the early morning break-in when the two men set off a security alert at the shop, in the small rural town about 25km west of Gympie.

He said the two thieves arrived at the shop in a white Hyundai and tried to use a “big hammer” to break in through its front door.

When the glass on two separate panels refused to shatter they changed their target to a window in the dining area to the door’s left and gained entry, Mr Singh said.

They then raided “small stuff” from the shop, and attempted to break into the cigarette cabinet.

DJ Singh said he was alerted to the early morning break-in at his Widgee General Store, when the two men set off a security alert at the shop on Monday, December 30, 2024.

The thieves then fled the scene in the Hyundai.

In all the break-in and robbery lasted about “four to five” minutes, he said.

The clean up, including sweeping broken glass from ground outside the shop and off the dining room floor, was going to take much longer.

He dispelled rumours circulating on social media a gun was involved, saying while the sound of a gunshot had been reported about 15 minutes after the break-in there was no indication there was any connection between it and the robbery.

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The scene of the break-in at Widgee General Store.

Mr Singh, who bought the store in 2023, said it was a shock given Widgee was usually a “really quiet place”.

“It never happened before... last year was really nice.”

Police have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Hammer used as thieves smash into Widgee General Store