More ram-raids on Logan businesses

Ashleigh Howarth

JOURNALIST

ashleigh.howarth@qtcn.com.au

HARVEY Norman has become the latest store ram-raid target in Logan.

Franchisee of the Logan Hyperdome store Andrew Garbett said he was awoken in the early hours on Tuesday, May 1, to news a car had allegedly been used to smash through the front of his store.

"I got a call from my security company at around 2.40am," Mr Garbett said.

"When I arrived the front of the doors were smashed in which has caused an extensive amount of damage.

"What's happened was a group of four to five people backed a stolen car into the front of the store and then proceeded to take stock.

"But it took them three attempts to get into the store.

"The next morning all the staff were here and we opened on time to trade as usual."

Despite having cement bollards out the front, Mr Garbett said the thieves still managed to gain access to the premise.

"Somehow the car squeezed through the two bollards which was very surprising," he said.

"You don't expect a car to get passed them.

"But we will be putting in extra bollards."

Mr Garbett said he hoped the new bollards would be fitted in as soon as possible to help deter any further ram-raids.

He said the recent attacks were having a negative impact on all business owners.

"It's just a sad day for retail, especially with the current economic climate we are dealing with right now" he said.

"It's already difficult enough to do well, but when you get this kind of activity on top of it, it's just not fair.

"I hope the police are aware of who these people are and can catch them quickly."

Mr Garbett said he believed this was the first time the store had been ram-raided, but mentioned other local businesses in and around the Hyperdome had also become victims of break and enters during the past few weeks.

He expected the damage bill from the ram-raid to be about $15,000.

"Its business as usual for now," he said.

"We will continue trading for our customers."

Police investigations continue.