Thieves thwarted in unsuccessful lolly scramble
Thieves thwarted by a dairy’s security had to settle for the consolation prize – three bags of lollies
Extra security measures paid off for store owner Jagdish Thakur, when burglars attempted to break into his store overnight.
The back door of Mr Thakur’s food market in Hamilton East was broken on Sunday night in an attempted robbery. The offenders fled after the alarm sounded but returned at 2am for a second attempt.
They broke through the back door, but another locked door stopped them from entering the main shop. They also attempted to break down this door before making off with lollies from the back room.
Mr Thakur is no stranger to crime. He has owned the store for 24 years and says the break-ins are getting worse with half a dozen this year, not counting those he considers minor.
“Last year we had a major one, they drove the car through [the shop] five times. Last month was a hit on the head with a golf club.”
His floor, fridges and counter have all been replaced and he says it is becoming unviable for his family.
“We’ll stay here for the moment but are looking at all the other options.
“My son looks after it in the weekends, thank God nothing happens when they are here. They don’t even want to come here now.”
He has bars on the windows, and metal bollards around the store to stop cars. A job that used to be about providing the community with a service now makes him feel frustrated and helpless.
“The majority of the people are good but it’s that five percent that are terrible. People that do it have no sympathy, nothing.”
He says televisions have been stolen from many houses around the area, and believes it is only a matter of time before someone gets badly hit.
“The cops were very, very good, they were here in two minutes.”
Police have credited Mr Thakur’s extra security measures in thwarting the robbery.
