By ROMAN KULKEWYCZ
AN UNPRECEDENTED spate of shoplifting from a Bunyip business has caused the owners to seek help to apprehend the thieves.
Joe and Carmela Greco, owners of the Bunyip Newsagency for over 18 years have pleaded with the local community, through an article in the Bunyip and District Newsletter, to help them stop the thefts.
The couple believes that the shoplifters are not locals.
“People come here on the train and to fill in time before the train back, they head down to the shopping hub and into our shop,” Joe said.
“Initially, the goods stolen were inexpensive, but have brazenly increased in value since.
“In one hit, an expensive bag was stolen to the value of $200.
“We have been able to record the thieves in action on our shop CCTV cameras and we have the evidence on disk.
“We have also printed a photo of one of the thieves which we have displayed on a notice board in the shop”
Carmela says that the losses through the current spate of shoplifting are crippling their business.
“We are a small family business and cannot absorb these losses. We are devastated and at a point of despair to see this happening in our beautiful town. Help us to stop this continuing,” she said.
Anyone with information is urged to ring the Bunyip police on 5629 5205 or ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
