BERWICK
Thursday, 18 April, 2024
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Reflecting on park history
Rates up under draft budget
Milestone in safe driving
Eagles go two from two
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SPORT
Treasures from the trees Berwick woodworker John McMahon can turn a variety of timbers into things of beauty. The winner of the City of Casey’s Lindsay King Art Award 2024 has made a vase made from Japanese weeping cherries, a delicately shaped mess mate pot with kaleidoscopic butterfly hollows, and an array of wood gadgets for children. It’s a passion that he’s enjoyed for more than 25 years. Story page 14
John McMahon. 399597 Picture: ROB CAREW
Breaking point By Emma Xerri With six break-ins in the last nine months, beloved local business owner, Harry, of Harry’s Clothing in Berwick, has been forced to close up shop with plans to move the business to Cranbourne. Staying overnight at the store for weeks at time, Harry has been hard at work doing everything he can to protect the business he has worked so hard to establish over the last 15 years. “I’ve been staying overnight at the store for a week at a time, and then I’ll go home for a couple of days,” he said. “But I wasn’t there when the last break in happened on Sunday because I had decided to go home that weekend. When I got the call, I just couldn’t believe it. “After break in number four, we started
making plans to move. “It means I have to reestablish the business, which comes at a great cost, but that’s what I was forced to do. I’ve got to keep the business open to keep my staff employed. “Because I’m locked into a lease, it’s been difficult, but the lease is coming to an end, so we’re hoping to be in the new location by the end of May. “I hate to shut up shop in Berwick, because it’s a beautiful place to work, but to have this going on puts a black mark on my time here. “And I’m sure my customers feel concerned and even unsafe when they come into my shop and see broken glass everywhere, so I can’t wait to move. I really can’t.” Nestled in Loveridge Walk, just off High Street, Harry’s is one of many local businesses that are suffering from a lack of security cameras in the area.
And the shops of Blackburne Square appear to be part of a particularly troubling hot spot, with break-ins plaguing a variety of businesses, including Alainn Mae, who had an attempt late in March, and Billy Lidz, who had to deal with two attempted breaks in through the back door. While her perpetrators haven’t been able to get in, Billy Lidz owner Kellie stresses that “there is still a mental and financial toll”. “I’ve had to have the back door resecured a number of times, once out of pocket,” she said. “And it’s the stress of waiting up all night for the alarm to go off. It’s definitely not something that you wish for for your business. “I don’t have any security cameras in store, but I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve never had an issue until now. “In the last month I’ve had two attempts a week apart.”
Just next door to Billy Lidz, the staff at Stylemaker & Co Hair Salon have also experienced their fair share of troubling break-ins, with three in less than two years. While it doesn’t deter “loyal” clients, “when it does happen, the first half of the day is knocked out to deal with everything”, salon owner Zana said. “It’s extra time and stress that a small business should not have to go through,” she added. “And it affects our insurance as well. “I’ve now installed cameras myself, and an alarm system which I didn’t have before because I didn’t think it would be as bad as it is. “It’s disappointing and it’s stressful and it’s about time for someone to do something about it.” Continued page 15
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