Theft robs a person of more than money or goods. The violation of a place we consider safe leaves us scarred inside. We lose more than a sense of security; we lose faith in our fellow man.
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In today’s Mercury, businesspeople have shared stories of at least six break-ins and thefts that have taken place in our CBD during the past two months.
This comes just days after news that tradesmen in The Levee fell victim to the theft of an estimated $25,000 worth of tools, many of them from personal kits.
The sentiments expressed by businesspeople interviewed by the Mercury ranged from fear to anger. One man called on shopkeepers to finance a force of full-time security officers; another couple declared the intention to sell up and operate their business from home.
The Mercury encourages everyone to hold tight and stand firm because it’s only a matter of time before these grubs are caught. Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic’s proactive policing methods made headlines last year when Maitland crime statistics either dropped or remained steady across the previous two year period.
Inspector Zdrilic was quick to point out that the current spate of thefts was not a crime wave, but we know from his track record that crime or theft won’t be tolerated, full stop.
People of Maitland must work together. Some of these brazen thefts took place in broad daylight and may have been witnessed by passers-by. There must be people in our community in possession of suspicious items.
Someone must know something.
If that someone is you, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Together we can put a stop to this.
