The owner of an Epping Domino’s store targeted by thieves three times in 16 days has labelled the break-ins “disheartening”.
Bhargav Sankar opened the Lyndarum Drive Domino’s store last November. Over 16 days in January, the shop was targeted by thieves keen to take the safe.
When they couldn’t remove the safe from the store, the would-be robbers caused significant damage to the shop. Mr Sankar said the break-ins took place on January 3, 17 and 19.
“The January 19 incident was the worst one. They toppled the whole front counter and tried to take the safe away. When they didn’t get the safe they made a complete mess. We had to close the store until February 1,” he said.
“The first time, they caused a lot of damage and broke the front glass doors. They took $190 when they couldn’t get the safe. On January 17, they came through the back door.”
Mr Sankar estimated the break-ins had caused $60,000-$70,000 damage, rising to $100,000 including loss of trade.
“We have only been open since November so this is really disheartening,” he said. “We have had to put cameras and extra lighting in.”
A spokeswoman for Domino’s said the company had procedures in place to minimise the amount of cash held on premises. She said staff were offered shifts at surrounding stores during the two-week closure.
Detective Sergeant Steve Signorini, of Mill Park CIU, said police were investigating the break-ins. He said a white VW Caddy van was seen at the scene on January 19.
He urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
