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Drysdale & Clifton Springs
June 2016
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Owner shattered by ram-raid robbery By LUKE VOOGT SURF Junction owner Naomi Patten was furious after thieves ram-raided her store recently, causing thousands of dollars damage. The fed-up Ms Patten said the store has been broken into six times in the last two years but this incident was the worst yet. “We’ve never had damage like this – it was just a total disaster,” she said. “They just don’t have any respect for people trying to make a living.” CCTV footage from inside the store shows the thieves reversing a white dual cab Ford Ranger utility through the front door, about 2am on 9 May. The footage shows the driver staying in the ute while two hooded offenders jump out and frantically load wallets, T-shirts, beanies, watches and even socks into the tray. Two minutes later, the ute drives from the store with $20,000 worth of stock. Ms Patten received a call about 2am from her security company saying there were intruders in her store. When she got there 10 minutes later, the thieves were gone and police were onsite. Ms Patten said the CCTV footage showed the thieves removing a bollard in front of the store before the theft. “They were outside for some time,” she said. Ms Patten said the thieves caused $30,000 in damage. “It will probably be about 12 weeks before I get new windows,” she said. As well as the windows, she’ll have to replace the carpet, tables, racks and the counter. The devastated store owner said she’s done everything to secure her shop, short of “keeping a Rottweiler” there. “I’m a bit over it all,” she said. “It’s something you don’t need in your life.”
Damage from the ram raid at Surf Junction. 154113 Despite the thefts, she plans to continue battling. “At times I think about giving up but I’ll just keep going on,” she said. Ms Patten has added her voice to the growing number of people calling for
a greater police presence in Drysdale. “The council and the government need to have a look at what’s going on in these small communities,” she said. While she’s not looking for sympathy, Ms Patten said one positive from the
incident was the reaction of the Drysdale community. “I’ve had people bring me flowers or even offer to give me a cuddle,” she said.
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“Someone came in and said she just had to buy something to support me.” Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bellarine police on 5256 2698.