General News
16 May, 2024
Bakery owner frustrated after vandalism incident damages store
Maryborough Police were called to Bumpa’s Woodoven Bakery last week after one of the store’s windows was vandalised. It is believed that a rubbish bin, reportedly taken from Dr Hadwen General Practitioners, was thrown towards the store, smashing...
Maryborough Police were called to Bumpa’s Woodoven Bakery last week after one of the store’s windows was vandalised.
It is believed that a rubbish bin, reportedly taken from Dr Hadwen General Practitioners, was thrown towards the store, smashing the window.
Bumpa’s Woodoven Bakery owner John Raeburn said he was stunned to see a bin hanging out from the window as he arrived for work.
“I came to work on [May 6] like I normally do and as I came around the corner I saw it and thought ‘what has happened to my window’,” he said.
“The bin clipped the top of the bench next to the window so it sort of got stuck on the bench and didn’t come right into the shop meaning it didn’t set the alarm off and the internal cameras couldn’t see anything.
“The replacement of the window cost me $1500, and that is $1500 a business should not have to spend.”
The incident follows other similar cases in the region, with Maryborough’s Decor Room owner Scott McCardle personally affected in April.
Mr Raeburn said these incidents are taking a massive toll on already struggling local businesses.
“You go down High Street and you see multiple stores that have broken windows or doors that are kicked in and it makes you think why people would do such a thing,” he said.
“It makes me question if I now have to turn around and put external cameras up and that’s several thousand dollars I would have to spend that I shouldn’t have to.
“The more people damage businesses, insurance claims increase, insurance premiums go up and more business prices go up to cover the costs.
“Anybody that is in small business will tell you how at the moment we are all battling and when something like this happens it makes it tougher.”
Maryborough Police are currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information or CCTV footage about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
