Business owners fearful after shops targeting overnight

Armed with an angle grinder and a crowbar, two men worked their way through six stores at the Rededge shopping centre, stealing cash and leaving a trail of destruction.

2TG Thai Restaurant owner Om Kasemputtikoom looks over damage to her door after a number of business break-ins at the Red Edge Shopping Centre, Monday, April 19, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With surgical precision two men went door to door at the Rededge shopping centre, cutting locks and forcing their way into six stores.

Cloaked in hoodie the men cut the locks with an angle grinder before they pried the doors open with a crowbar.

Fish Depot owner Nirlep Bhatt said the burglaries were well planned.

“They knew exactly what they were doing and which register to take,” he said.

The men broke into the fish and chip store sometime between 1-1.30am on Monday, to steal cash and a safe.

Mr Bhatt estimated the loss – along with the cost to repair his damaged door – would total more than $3000.

“I was not working Sunday night otherwise I would have counted the till and taken the money home,” he said.

Fish Depot owner Nirlep Bhatt said a break in early Monday has cost him more than $3000 in stolen equipment and cash. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It took the thieves about 15 minutes to break into all six stores.

Salt Caves owner Sue Trupp said was disheartened to find her store trashed.

“Fortunately, I did not have anything taken,” she said.

“I don’t think there is much demand for stolen salt lamps on the black market.

“You feel violated because it is like your second home when you run a small business.”

2TG Thai Restaurant owner Om Kasemputtikoom echoed her neighbour’s sorrow as this was the second time her business had been trashed.

“We had a crazy guy come in last year and throw stuff around,” she said.

“Ever since then I do not feel safe here.

“If I see someone acting strange, I think they are going to rob us.”

Police investigate a crime scene at the 2TG Thai Restaurant. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Kasemputtikoom’s staff told her two men were hanging around the store late Sunday night, ordering food despite not having money to pay, before waiting outside until closing time.

“They were looking for money,” she said.

“They took the till, three tablets and a mobile phone.”

The thieves stole about $600 from A’s Hair Salon, along with brand-name blow-dryers, hair straighteners and a set of clippers.

Police are investigating the break-in and anyone with information about it should phone Policelink on 131 444.