A BENDIGO small business owner says the continued spate of vehicle and equipment thefts throughout the city is leaving hardworking locals wondering – who will be next?
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Tim Wicks, who operates a contracting business, had a $6000 Ford Courier ute stolen from in front of a Hargreaves Street property on Saturday night.
The vehicle was parked 200 metres from the police station, but fortunately did not contain any gardening equipment.
Mr Wicks said it was the second time he had been targeted by a thief.
“We had a trailer stolen five years ago as well,” he said.
“I’ve built this business from scratch and only bought the ute six months ago.
“People see an opportunity, and whether they’re driven by a drug addiction or something else, they will target people’s belongings.”
Mr Wicks was contacted at 11pm on Saturday night to be informed that the ute was missing. He was also told a similar vehicle was seen driving towards Maldon later in the night, but because it was low on diesel the driver might have needed to make a quick refill.
He said despite the best efforts of police, who have made a number of arrests in recent months, there were still people out there making life hard for small business owners.
“It’s having a big impact, you just don’t know when it will happen to you,” Mr Wicks said.
“It’s really hurting businesses.”
Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
