Business hit by three burglaries
Burgled once, burgled twice, burgled three times.
That was the disbelief for the owners of a Trafalgar business last week when they were the target of three burglaries in a matter of days.
Sport 2 Street clothing store is now reeling in the thousands of dollars damage and stolen stock after thieves smashed windows, caused extensive damage and fled with scooters and clothing.
After opening just 10 months ago and then facing a rollercoaster of retail shutdowns during COVID restrictions, the family owned business is beginning to question “why us.”
The silver lining last week was the overwhelming community support that left them lost for words.
At about 12.50am on Sunday, two offenders were captured on security footage at the Contingent St shop smashing their way into the store.
Abbey Hammond said the offenders appeared to make a beeline to the back of the store to remove two Envy Prodigy scooters on display on the back wall.
Security footage showed the offenders then grabbing selections of clothing, mainly menswear, which they stuffed into a large bag.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, offenders returned to the premises.
Attempts to kick in the front glass panels failed, but the force of their attempt caused part of the internal ceiling to collapse.
Abbey said from the security footage, it appears the offenders were scared off when the ceiling fell in and ran from the scene.
Not deterred, offenders returned later Tuesday night. Baw Baw CIU detectives said the offenders used a sledge hammer to smash their way into the store.
With two large bags, including a bag on wheels, offenders worked their way around the store, grabbing clothing.
The mounting damage bill, cleaning up glass and dust throughout the store and the stolen property left the owners shaking their heads with disbelief.
But, Abbey said community support had been overwhelming.
“We are so, so overwhelmed by the massive community support. People we don’t even know have been offering to come and help us clean up, tradies have offered to help get the shop open.
“We have had the bakery give us treats, someone paid money at the café for us to have coffees through the week and we even had someone say they had a holiday house we could use if we needed to get away.
“And we have had so many message of support from people, some that aren’t even customers, and people have been buying online,” Abbey said.
Baw Baw CIU detectives are investigating the burglaries and believe the two offenders were likely the same offenders on the three nights.
One male was wearing a black hoodie with unknown white branding on the back, black pants, a cap and tan work boots.
The second offender, presumed to be male, was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and brown coloured shoes.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations should contact Baw Baw CIU detectives (5622 7111) or Crimestoppers (1800 333000).