By Kirra Livingstone
TEN businesses have been targeted in a spate of breakins and vandalism over the past seven days in Beerwah and Landsborough.
On September 4 around 10pm, the Beerwah Coffee Club, Stirling Legal Group and Beerwah Print had rocks thrown at their windows, leaving businesses with thousands of dollars in repairs. Beerwah Coffee Club owner, Mark Blong, said it was a senseless attack, disadvantaging businesses at a particularly difficult time during the cost of living crisis.
“Three businesses now have to pay for it to be repaired, probably not worth making insurance claims,” he said. “This is not really something that Beerwah has ever experienced. “I think it’s just an indication of what’s going on and we aren’t immune to it, it’s just really unfortunate.”
Stirling Legal Group managing director, Michael Kirkitscha, said he was disappointed in the vandalism as he had never had any issues in his 16 years of business in Beerwah. “The cost to fix the damage will run into thousands of dollars,” he said. “There is also the lost income from closing down while repairs are completed. That Little Dress Shop was also targeted the same night, with someone carving letters into the shop window.
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson said they were investigating two reports of wilful damage on Turner Street, and is believed to be smashed between 9pm and 8am on September 4 and 5. Stepping Out Podiatry, Landsborough, was also hit in an attempted robbery overnight, September 4. Director, Carly O’Donoghue, said this act was disappointing and unnecessary. “We all want to live in a safe environment, so let’s look out for each other and make sure our Hinterland stays this way,” she said.
A QPS spokesperson said investigations into the incident are ongoing. “Initial investigations indicate that a man has attempted to gain access to the Maleny St business through another area of the building the business was located in, before they were disturbed by a member of the public,” they said.
Around 3.45am on September 6, Daisy Lane Nails and Spa on Simpson Street was broken into, having cash and their phone stolen. A QPS spokesperson said investigations indicate a person entered through an unlocked window.
On August 31, three businesses along Simpson Street were hit, with an individual entering through the ceiling. They damaged security system wiring, and stole hundreds of dollars in cash.
Lifeline, Neddy’s Nosebags, and Kitchen, Bar and More were all targeted, costing the businesses thousands in damages. The thief fell through Kitchen, Bar and More’s ceiling, and owner Amanda, said she was notified of the break-in by another business the following day.
“Police didn’t even advise me of the break-in, I had no idea until the owner of Neddy’s Nosebags found me on Facebook and messaged me,” she said. “I work at my shop in Caloundra most days, and will bring stock to Beerwah when we close, but now I don’t feel safe coming here by myself.”
A QPS spokesperson, said a Glass House Mountains business was broken into at 2:30am on September 1, with a quantity of cigarettes stolen.
