Employees at a family-run Hobart supermarket say that the shop being broken into and ransacked overnight is just the latest “concerning incident” at the store.
Multiple young people are alleged to have broken into the Moonlight Nepalese & Indian Grocery Store at around 11pm on Thursday night, with staff reporting that around $1,000 worth of drinks and food were taken from the business.
“This unfortunate event is part of a recurring pattern, as the shop has been targeted regularly by youths in the last month,” an employee told Pulse.
“The shop owners are understandably distressed and concerned about the safety of their business.”
Police confirmed the incident in a statement to Pulse and said the alleged offenders, two 12-year olds, were arrested at around 1am on Friday morning following reports of damage to another business on Main Road in Moonah.
“Police arrived quickly and two offenders were taken into custody. Enquiries revealed that shortly prior to their arrest the offenders were also responsible for the burglary of a nearby grocery store,” police said.
“Property stolen from the grocery store was recovered. Police are still conducting enquiries relating to the suspected involvement of two further youths.”
The children are now facing burglary and stealing charges and will be referred to the Youth Justice Division of the Hobart Magistrates Court.
Inspector Jim Semmens said police were continuing to work with key stakeholders to tackle youth crime in Glenorchy.
“We live in a very safe city, in a very safe state, however there is a small number of recidivist offenders who continue to do the wrong thing,” he said.
“Police are committed to protecting the community and local businesses and detecting and preventing anti-social and unlawful behaviour with the aim of making our public spaces safer for everyone … we welcome the public calling us when there are issues that need addressing.”
Moonlight will now replace their front glass door again, just days after it was shattered in another incident on Saturday.
