Darren Spargo of Pakenham Photo Barn has had to take extra security measures after his shop was damaged three times in the past month. Picture: Stewart Chambers.
VANDALISM and graffiti attacks in Pakenham’s Main Street are forcing traders to turn their shops into high security bunkers.
Steel roller doors and surveillance cameras are among the devices being installed by shopkeepers in a bid to deter wouldbe thieves and destructive hooligans.
Traders this week spoke of their frustration after yet another spate of attacks on businesses.
Several shops had windows smashed while others were tagged with graffiti.
Traders have again called on authorities to step up efforts to combat the problems.
Darren Spargo of Pakenham Photo Barn said he would be taking even further measures to protect his business after somebody tried to smash through a roller door protecting the shop’s rear entrance in Treloar Lane.
Police investigating the attack said the wouldbe thieves may have driven a car into the door, setting off an alarm.
Mr Spargo said the incident early on Friday morning was the third time his business had been targeted in less than a month.
“We were graffitied late one Friday night, then in the early hours of Monday morning we had a window smashed and less than two weeks later somebody, possibly in a car, has tried to smash through the roller door.
“The constant cost of repairs and the expense of installing new security measures is not the sort of thing that retailers build into their margins. It puts a great deal of strain on a business,” he said. “I don’t want to live in a town where retailers need to have a steel door to protect their shopfront but that’s where it’s heading.”
Traders say they would like to see a stronger police presence in the central business district, particularly at night.
Business operators have had regular discussions with police and Cardinia Shire Council after graffiti and vandalism hit a new high last year.
Council is expected to soon release a revised strategy targeting the problems.
Meanwhile, Mr Spargo said he and other retailers were taking matters into their own hands.
“We’ll fit more surveillance cameras. I don’t want to come across as a whingeing trader but unfortunately, I’ve got to say it’s an escalating problem.
>>> Police on Monday said three teenagers had been arrested and charged with criminal damage after a window was broken at a charity shop in Main Street about 1am on Saturday.
