Professional Thieves

Another Break-in!

We are certainly getting tired of continued attacks on our business by local youths. This time there was a lot of malicious damage and only some drinks and confectionery stolen (that we have identified so far).

This seems to be done by young professional criminals. Witnesses say that there were four very young people who had the audacity the come back after being disturbed during the break, enter and steal. In addition to the damage to stands and displays, there was an organised search for money and cigarettes that left a huge amount of documents and records scattered behind the counter. We remove all valuables as a result of bitter experience in previous break-ins. Last time we decided to discontinue cigarettes from our stock.

It is extrememly difficult to cope with such events and begins to take a toll on individuals and owners. The most disappointing thought is that when arrests are made, we are requested to attend a conference with those arrested. At one conference the criminal involved decided not to attend because he didn't want to get out of bed that day! Result - end of conference!

We feel that the only real solution would involve payment for damage caused and goods stolen. This could be repaid over an extended time, and our experience is that all those who have been involved with these illegal activities receive some kind of public benefits. This could be the source of some of the repayments. Such penalities could lead to second thoughts about becoming involved in the growing public problem of such break-ins.

Maxine and Peter