Police have called for the public’s help to identify a man depicted in CCTV footage at a Rutherford business.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They believe the male, seen inside AJ’s Body Piercing and Beauty, can assist with inquiries about a break and enter at the shop.
The business in the Rutherford shopping centre near IGA was broken into on the night of April 16 and thousands of dollars worth of piercing jewellery was stolen.
“The person has gently removed the glass panel at the bottom of the door and got in through there,” business owner Casey Convery said.
“They’ve even pulled out all of the silicone holding the glass in, they were very gentle.
“They took a few grands worth of jewellery and a bit of cash, about $50.
“I sell a lady’s candles at the shop and her money bag was stolen too.”
Ms Convery lost half a day’s trading and could not take appointments for several days because of the theft.
The offender took most of her piercing jewellery, which meant she had to order new stock.
“It was just horrible knowing someone has been through your business,” she said.
In another blow for the small business, the premises flooded when the storm hit.
“Robbed Friday, flooded out Tuesday,” she said.
“It was just horrible.”
Like many small business owners, Ms Convery lost a further week of trading because of the super storm and was not able to reopen until yesterday.
She was also unable to contact clients to cancel bookings because she had no phone or internet access.
Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic encouraged anyone with information about the break-in or the identity of the man in the CCTV footage to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
