Under siege - Vandalism attacks continue to plague the north
April 27, 2006
Section: Community
CRIME continues to plague the northern suburbs with 13 Helensburgh and five Stanwell Park businesses vandalised and robbed last week.
The latest assault, late on Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday morning, follows a series of attacks on northern suburbs business centres over the past year.
The Leader reported a callous attack by vandals on Thirroul's historic Anita's Theatre earlier this month with the repair bill estimated at $25,000. Just weeks before vandals caused over $8,000 damage to the Austinmer Surf Club.
In February four shops in Walker Street Helensburgh were vandalised and robbed, while voluntary beautification work in the CBD was destroyed.
Thursday's crime spree included the robbery and ransacking of three real estate offices, a pizza store, solicitors and travel agent in Walker Street Helensburgh.
Piccadilly Travel owner Barbara Allen estimated her loss at around $4,000.
"I have lost at least a day's business," Mrs Allen said.
"They have stolen my computers. All they left me was a keyboard and mouse," she said.
Mrs Allen's front door was smashed open and the office completely ransacked.
"It's out of control. We have had 19 break-ins at Stanwell Tops since Christmas. People are a bit angry about it all."
A public meeting in March attracted over 100 angry residents and called for an increase police presence in Helensburgh.
Sergeant Jason Derby from the Wollongong Area Command said police were investigating several break, enter and steal offences in Helensburgh.
"We're hoping to identify the offender or offenders from finger prints collected from the crime scene," Sgt Derby said.
"We ask residents witnessing any suspicious behaviour, or vehicles, in Walker Street late on Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday morning to contact Wollongong Area Command," he said.
Sgt Derby said police patrols in the area would be increased as a result of the incident.
Anyone with information can call Wollongong Police Station on 4226 7899.