By Laura Michell
The owners of five Sunbury businesses have been left reeling after their stores were broken into, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage and stolen stock.
Hidden Florist, White Horns Butcher, Mutts Cuts, Ethnic Spice Shop and JNM Nails were broken on Sunday, May 4.
Police said the Gap Road businesses were broken into between 4.20am and 5am.
Hidden Florist manager Karly Whitford said the break-in had taken an emotional and financial toll on her.
She was alerted to the break-ins by a fellow business owner on Sunday morning and arrived at the store to find the thieves had broken in via a secure back door and ransacked the shop.
“They just left a trail of destruction behind,” an emotional Ms Whitford said.
“I wasn’t the worst hit … unfortunately the fellow businesses were hit pretty bad.”
Ms Whitford said the intruders had caused about $10,000 in damage in her store, had damaged filing systems and paperwork and took credit cards, money, work jackets, the keys to vehicles and the store’s van.
She said the van was dumped not far up the road and was reported by locals who thought it was odd to see a florist van near their house at that time of the morning.
Hidden Florist had also started its preparations for Mother’s Day and Ms Whitford said all of that work had been “pulled apart”.
“It has thrown a spanner in the works [ahead of Mother’s Day],” she said.
She said some of her neighbouring businesses were reporting a damage bill upwards of $25,000.
Ms Whitford said the Sunbury community had “absolutely amazing” in the wake of the break-ins.
“It is just overwhelming the amount of support we have received,” she said.
“People are coming in to buy a small candle or flowers to help support us. We are so thankful for them.
“We have taken a small emotional hit, and a financial hit as well, but we are still here for our customers.”
Police said the burglaries may be linked to a Campbellfield burglary about 4.30am on Saturday, May 3, at the Merri Concourse.
Police said no-one has been charged and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
