Hard grind

Shop owner Mandy Smith felt "violated" by the theft. 129825_01 Picture: ROB CAREW.

By BEN CAMERON

Strap: High-tech gem thieves leave owner with a …

THE theft of almost $95,000 worth of fine jewellery, crystals and opals from a Berwick shop has been described by a Casey police veteran as one of the most sophisticated he’s seen.
Casey Police Criminal Investigation Unit’s Detective Senior Sergeant John Bergin said in 25 years he’d hardly seen a more efficient robbery.
Thieves used an angle-grinder to break into the High Street shop.
He said the shop had been specifically targeted due to the expensive nature of the items stolen.
“Absolutely, this was not your usual run of the mill robbery that you see,” he said.
“It was a very well-planned, very well-executed, sophisticated break-in.
“Some information has come to light which we’ll follow up.”
Shop owner Mandy Smith said she arrived at work on Monday, 13 October to find thieves had stolen the goods from her fine crystal and mineral store, Arcane Artefacts in Berwick Village Arcade.
“I felt violated,” she said.
“I’m not insured for burgled goods. It’s created a few other problems.
“They have raided four of my cupboards and taken seven to eight kilograms of jewellery and some very rare opals.
“They’ve also taken my laptop, which has photographs of my children, so I’d like that back.”
She said thieves had caused “a mess” in her shop and the arcade.
“They first tried to angle-grind their way through a wall which would have taken them straight into my shop,” she said.
“They’ve kicked in the door to the public bathroom, but that didn’t work.
“They’ve eventually angle-grinded the lock to the gate of the arcade, then angle-grinded my door down.
“I’ve had the shop for nine years, this is my first robbery.”
Police believe the robbery occurred between Saturday 11 October and Monday 13 October.
Detectives are investigating the crime.