Security pledge follows second shop break-in
A Taranaki clothing store is stepping up security after its second break-in in just over a month.
Manager of Fridge Freezer Icebox New Plymouth, Jimo Rangi, said he was phoned by police about 5:30am yesterday after the store alarm went off.
‘‘It’s been rough because I’ve worked really hard for the last year and a half, two years, to build this shop into something that people can come to, like a street store,’’ he said. ‘‘It just feels that the hard work that I’ve put in and the people behind the scenes as well, and [then] people think it’s okay to do this.
‘‘It’s just heartbreaking really, especially when you put so much heart and soul into something.’’
He assumed they had been targeted for brands of clothes, shoes and hats including Nike, Champion and team gear from the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and other NBA sides.
‘‘What we sell in our shop, no one else really has in New Plymouth. We’re different in that regard and the gear they’re targeting you can’t find anywhere else in New Plymouth either.’’
Rangi said he wasn’t yet sure how much was taken.
‘‘Clothes were all over the floor; hats were taken. There’s quite a lot gone.’’
He said police had found some of the merchandise and were continuing to investigate.
He would like for anyone who hears anything to contact him through the Fridge New Plymouth Facebook page.
The store was closed yesterday but would reopen as normal today.
Franchise owner Laurie Blyth said: ‘‘New Plymouth is an important store for us. Jimo is doing a very good job.
‘‘We’ll be putting in ugly horrible-looking things on the front of the shop to stop people getting in, which is really a shame. But we’ll do everything we have to to make sure people don’t get in.’’