By ALANA MITCHELSON
NEW Pakenham business owners have been overwhelmed with community support after a ram raid burglary attack on their family business that involved an offender armed with a crowbar.
Southern Metropolitan Region Crime Response Team detectives are investigating the incident that occurred about 4.50am on Sunday 22 May at Uncle Sam’s Food Mart milk bar on Eagle Drive.
Police said a car stolen from Patterson Lakes was used to force entry to the premises at which time four offenders entered, with at least one of the offenders armed with a crow bar.
The incident shocked the new owners, who live in an adjoining property, just three months after having taken over the business.
“We were woken up by a very loud sound,” the owner said.
“I came out to the shop front and they had practically blown the whole door off. There was a man standing at arm’s length who was yelling and screaming at me and trying to hit me with the crowbar.
“It was really devastating, and I was shaking. We watched the CCTV footage back, and it brought back the trauma all over again to watch them ram into our shop.
“I think they thought they could take the cigarettes not knowing that they’re secured by iron shutters that are almost impossible to ply through and are bolted at night.
“Everyone in the community has been so good to us, and the police were quick to respond to our call. We are so grateful to everyone for their support.
“We’ve only been open for three months and already have regular customers. We work very hard – 365 days a year, 16-and-a-half hours a day – and we want the milk bar to be a safe place where kids can come after school.“
Local residents posted on social media, encouraging people to help the owners of the business.
“The poor owners have worked so hard getting the fish and chips up and going again, and just provide exceptional customer service every time,” the post read.
“Please go in and support them even if it’s just for some milk or some chips to go with dinner.
“So sad that this keeps happening up there. Let’s show that we are behind them.”
The milk bar planned to have additional surveillance cameras and monitors installed to improve security after the incident.
Police said demands were made and the offenders stole a small amount of confectionary items before decamping in a car allegedly stolen from Cranbourne East that was parked nearby.
No injuries were sustained.
Detectives said that the offenders were last seen travelling along Balmoral Avenue and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
