Belmont traders tighten security as burglars ‘target High Street area’

ERIN PEARSON
BELMONT retailers are fighting back against a spate of burglaries around High Street.
The Joker Shoppe owner Vince Albanese said the raids had forced him to spend more than $10,000 on security.
Mr Albanese said thieves had tried to force entry to his business twice a month before the security upgrade and had successfully burgled the store six times since 2001.
“I was one of the biggest targets in the Belmont area, so I had to invest in really high security. If I didn’t I would be targeted weekly.
“I’m afraid that’s what we’ve got to do now.”
Spice Cottage owner Marinder Chillar said burglars had robbed his Indian food restaurant twice in April, once when employees were still on the premises.
The burglars took cash both times.
“We’re scared, especially at night time because it’s been so frequent. We never know when it might happen again,” Mr Chillar said.
“It’s not a nice feeling. It looks like both times they watched the store for a while before breaking in after hours.”
Wine Justice and Belmont Business Association board member Meredith Telfer said the area’s retailers were working closely with police.
“I’ve certainly been more aware of burglaries this year and the police have come to us about it.”
Mrs Telfer said stores operating predominately with cash sales and shops set back from High Street were at most risk.
Geelong Police Inspector Chris Gawne said Belmont traders had reported four burglaries and two attempted burglaries so far this month.
Police had arrested “a number of offenders” over the Belmont burglaries.