Angry shopkeepers in Maitland’s CBD want more police patrols after a spate of break-ins and thefts in The Levee during the past two months.
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One businessman has called on all shopkeepers to unite to finance a force of full-time security officers to walk through CBD all night, every night.
A couple who own a beauty salon in Bourke Street are selling their shop and will operate the business from home.
At least six break-ins and thefts have taken place in The Levee and CBD within the past two months, shopkeepers told the Mercury on Thursday.
Police confirmed there had been a few break-ins recently, but denied there was a crime wave in the area.
CBD shops burgled during the past three months include The Barber Shop, Hair at Sweethearts, Gracefull Beauty, the Maitland Presbyterian Opportunity Shop, MP Spa and Beauty, and RNB Hair and Beauty.
Dan Barkas from The Barber Shop had 12 sets of scissors worth $2000 stolen from his shop, as well as a valuable collection of tokens used for gambling when this was illegal.
“My front door was jemmied open one night,” Mr Barkas said.
“I had three valuable tokens that were once used for illegal gambling in the days when this was known as Jimmy O’Connor’s Barber Shop.
“These break-ins have been going on around the town a lot lately.”
Hair at Sweethearts owner Casey Hosking was in her shop with a customer when an intruder broke-in through the back.
“It was plain daylight and they took my wallet containing money,” Ms Hosking said.
“I believe someone was watching us and it is pretty scary.
“Too many businesses are losing time and money, and nothing is being done about it.
“We need to rally as a community and make these people aware we know what they are doing.”
Marion Rickett and Susan Ware from the Op Shop now have to wear door keys round their necks after an intruder stole a key and took goods from a locker.
David Kelly from Gracefull Beauty in Bourke Street said: “There have been that many robberies around here, it is an absolute joke.
“My wife and I are getting out of town and we will run our business from our own home now.”
Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said: “We have certainly had a few break-ins, but this is not a crime wave.
“For me, one break-in is one too many and we want shopkeepers to continue to liaise with police and to understand they are not on their own.”