By SHANNON POWER
A SPATE of brazen robberies over the last month has retailers in Wyndham worried that crime is on the rise.
Nirupa Rotheram works at the Indian grocery store Delhi Haat on Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing and has experienced three separate incidents in the past month.
The most daring robbery happened three weeks ago when two youths came into the store, cut the chain of a charity coin tin and walked straight back out.
Ms Rotheram said that there was an increasing problem with young people causing problems on the busy shopping strip.
“I’m a single parent; my son goes to university and doesn’t do crime. I struggle and it’s not easy, but my kids are not like that,” Ms Rotheram said.
She said police have recommended installing surveillance cameras outside the shop, but Ms Rotheram said they need to do more.
“Police should patrol more often. We need to be protected, we need safety. If something happens to me, who will look after my children?” Ms Rotheram said.
From 14-25 June, Wyndham police received three reports of shop thefts according to police tactical intelligence officer, Senior Constable Kellie Innes.
The installation of protective service officers at nearby Hoppers Crossing railway station has greatly reduced the number of reports police receive in the area.
“They are at the train station patrolling and car theft is reduced … we are not being swamped with offences in that area,” Snr Const Innes said.
