Thieves land a double blow

A PAKENHAM business owner watched in disbelief this week as thieves fled from her store.
It was the second time the store had been robbed in as many months.
Darleene Miles, owner of arts, crafts and furniture store Bali Bermimpi, received a call from her security company about 1am Monday to hear the alarms in her Bate Close store had been activated.
Ms Miles arrived at her business and found the front window smashed and two people driving off in a white panel van.
This is the second time in two months that Ms Miles has been the victim of a robbery.
Thieves raided the business in August before it was opened. The store has now only been open to customers for two weeks.
“It’s disheartening because you flog your guts out and try and do the right thing and people come along and do that…it’s just crushing really.”
The first-time business owner said she kept no cash on the premises, so only a small amount of coins were stolen on Monday. She said no stock was taken because some pieces of furniture were large, but said more damage could have been done if the alarm did not go off.
Thieves raided the business last month before it opened and stole a telephone, a vacuum cleaner and other items.
“It was a bit lucky actually because last time a container (delivery) I was getting was late so there was no stock here, but they left a big mess.”
Ms Miles said it was difficult to comprehend her bad luck.
“It’s unbelievable. You try to make an honest living and then you just get people doing this and it makes you crazy.
“I’m hoping they realise there is a quick reaction time with this alarm system and that they don’t try anything else.”
The mother of two has just completed a university degree by correspondence and will attend university next year to start a second course.
“Starting out is quite difficult. I still have not replaced bits and pieces from last time, so it makes it tough.
“I started the business not knowing how much money I would require. It’s just not what you need when you are trying to start out.”