CCTV image taken from an attempted break in at Masterton’s Western Auto Mart on Sunday. PHOTO/FACEBOOK
Repeat break-ins causing ‘havoc, expense, inconvenience’
MARCUS ANSELM
[email protected]
A family-owned Masterton business is counting the cost after another attempted break-in.
Western Auto Mart on Ngaumutawa Rd was targeted late on Sunday night.
Three people were caught on camera attacking a window from the service station’s forecourt.
The Eades family have managed the business for more than 30 years and attempted break-ins have been an unwelcome and persistent inconvenience throughout that time.
Ian and Pam Eades own the business, and daughter, Anna, works in the office.
Anna Eades made a plea on Facebook for witnesses to contact police.
“Do you know these clowns? We are calling upon our Wairarapa community who might have been in our area [Ngaumutawa Road] between 11-11:30pm last night,” said the post.
“As you can see we had an attempted break-in and while we did enjoy watching them get their weapons stuck in our doors, and having to make a run for it, they still caused a lot of damage and a big clean up for us!
“Not only are we tired of this stupidity and continual theft of fuel, we are concerned these people will keep abusing our local businesses and might also endanger others!”
Nothing was taken this time as the attackers struggled to get through reinforced glass.
The break-ins cause “havoc, expense and inconvenience”, Anna said, and were just the sharp end of crimes the family suffered.
They have also had several instances of people driving off without paying for fuel.
She said it was an increasing problem.
“They come in and say their card’s got declined, and say they’ll come back but we never see them again,” she said.
“We know people are struggling but you just don’t do it. It’s happening more and more frequently, not just here but all over.
“We are a small business. The family business gets stung with the costs. It’s so frustrating.”
Police inquiries are ongoing. The family have asked anyone with any information to contact Masterton police on 105.
