Crook on crime

By Jade Lawton
THIEVES have hit Pakenham’s Industrial precinct seven times in the past two weeks, and small business owners say they have had enough.
Karleen Vander Ree’s business, Vanderkleen Cleaning Services and Supplies, was last week burgled for the second time since she opened up shop in Bate Close in August.
“It’s a real kick in the guts,” Ms Vander Ree said. “I thought, not again. Driving in I was thinking that’s it, everyone’s going to be sacked, it’s over.”
Ms Vander Ree’s business was first hit last year just one day after she opened for trading. The thieves took Ms Vander Ree’s new work van after they had loaded it up with cleaning equipment and supplies, with the haul valued at $25,000.
This time, a thief forced entry through a back door and stole a mobile phone used by staff while out on-site.
The thief struck at 2.56am on 11 June and left Ms Vander Ree with a $2000 damage bill.
The Pakenham Party Company, also in Bate Close, was burgled the same night, with the thief taking off with a safe that contained a small amount in coins.
Tracy Watton said it was the first time the family business, which was previously at Main Street for four-and-a-half years, had been burgled.
“For all those years there was nothing, not a thing. It’s just bizarre,” Ms Watton said.
While neither business was hit to the extent that Ms Vander Ree was last year, Ms Vander Ree said it was still upsetting.
The thief also pulled out Ms Vander Ree’s phone line, losing her a day of business calls.
“It’s the inconvenience, the loss of time and the stress,” she said. “Everyone is peeved off. We are putting something in to the body corporate to see if we can get gates.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham, of Pakenham police, said crime in the area was sporadic.
“There have been at least seven burglaries in the Bald Hill Road area in the last few weeks, but it is not an ongoing problem,” Sen Sgt Higginbotham said. “We are advising businesses in the area to review the security of their premises. Police patrol the area and are investigating.”
Sen Sgt Higginbotham said police had examined the CCTV footage and done forensic tests.
Ms Watton and Ms Vander Ree were hopeful police would apprehend the offender.
“I just want to understand why they do these things. It just makes no sense,” Ms Watton said. “We work our backsides off to try and make a living. I would tell the thief to get off their bum and get a job,” Ms Vander Ree said.
“I’m not going to let the little bugger stop me.”