By Afraa Kori
Police are investigating after six businesses were damaged in Pakenham on 25 February.
It is believed the businesses had their windows damaged on Main Street sometime overnight. At this stage, nothing is believed to have been stolen and the investigation remains ongoing.
Both small and large businesses in the area, including retailers, service providers, and community organisations, have been affected by theft.
Jackie Farrington’s store, Lazy Frog Gifts suffered significant damage, with two panes of glass broken, leaving actual holes. The impact was severe enough to scatter glass both inside and outside the building.
“I got a text message this morning saying that damage had been done and one of the shop owners had sent me a photo. Then I’m driving and my heart is racing, waiting to get in to have a look to see just how much damage is there.”
“Then when I go home tonight, I’m going to be thinking, am I going to walk into another two panels of glass being popped overnight? Are they going to come back and do it again to the two panes that they didn’t get last night? That sort of thing just lingers in the back of your head now.”
When she looks at the “willful damage”, Jackie finds herself asking why, though she knows some questions may never have an answer.
“It’s very frustrating and heartbreaking. I’m disappointed and angry. All those emotions all rolled into one. I just wish that the world wasn’t in such a condition it’s in.”
“They haven’t done it to break in to steal, they did it for the sake of damage. I can’t see the point behind it. It’s one of those pointless things to do.”
“It’s probably between $2-3k per pane of glass, so if we didn’t have insurance, then you’re looking at an easy $6-$7k. We’ve got insurance, but that doesn’t make it right.”
“All I’ve been doing today is dealing with insurance agencies and people coming to fix the glass.
I’ve been rearranging the space so that they can get in to fix the windows and get things boarded up. So it sort of gives you a bit of a non-day in your business as well. It just takes up your whole day!”
Owner Sandra Evans said Toyworld Pakenham was also targeted, adding to existing challenges. She had just dealt with a water leak and was set to have her flooring repaired today. Now, instead of one claim, she must file two separate insurance claims within a week, creating further disruption.
“When all this took place, I spent two hours on the phone, going to insurance places and the police,” she said.
“The police came and we had to shut the shop because the glazier came and our windows were unsafe. They thought they were going to explode. So we had to shut the shop, which then made our daily sales very low.”
Sandra fears that local businesses may not survive unless the community starts supporting them.
“One day we’ll be gone if they don’t start supporting us,” she anxiously said.
“If it happens at the Post Office and Telstra, they can walk away and still get paid. Whereas Lazy Frog Gifts and I, we’re small business-run owners, so it affects more, it’s heartbreaking. We have an excess that we’ve got to all come up with, but it’s not even our fault, it’s just ridiculous.
Local businesses had expected Cardinia Shire Council to provide support during these challenging times.
However, the council rejected their urgent request to implement essential security measures, including CCTV cameras and on-site guards.
Many businesses are further calling for the legal system to impose harsher penalties on offenders, so “history doesn’t repeat itself”.
“They need to look at the penalties that they’re dishing out for repeat offenders. They need to have more consideration for the people whose lives are affected, because clearly they don’t care. Some thought has to be given to victims of crime in any way, shape or form.”
“We’re lucky that no one was hurt. But if this happened during the day, the glass could come tumbling down and cut somebody. Our glass is not safe. It can shatter a window and cut an artery and you’re dead before somebody comes along and finds you. Like, it’s that potential for so much more to go wrong.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik said they are devastated to hear about the theft and damage to several businesses.
“These incidents not only harm the affected businesses and their owners but also impact the entire community. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and services that are essential to our daily lives.“
“I am proud of our Council staff who worked closely with these businesses yesterday in responding to this issue. They provided assistance to impacted businesses in identifying hazards to shoppers, liaising with the police and generally offering support during a traumatic time.“
“This incident further highlights why Council developed its Community Safety Framework which sets out the roles and responsibilities for Council and other stakeholders in increasing safety across the shire. We work closely with several agencies to take a collaborative approach, recognising that the safety of our community is everyone’s responsibility.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s General Manager, Infrastructure and Environment, Peter Benazic added that Cardinia Shire Council has been gathering feedback from many residents and businesses in Pakenham as part of the Public Realm Strategy.
“Council has been working with various crime prevention professionals, including Victoria Police to revitalise Pakenham with more safety and accessibility features being a key consideration. This includes improved lighting that provides more consistent coverage over the full streetscape to improve the experience and safety at night. “
“Height of traders’ awnings, light fall and tree canopy have all been considered to increase visibility and improve safety in the area.”
