At least 10 Katherine businesses are today counting the cost from a spate of break-ins over the weekend.
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Cars were ransacked, offices were trashed and money stolen during what traders are describing as a coordinated series of thefts.
Katherine garage owner Rob Smith said more than 30 cars in his repair yard were raided on Friday night.
“I have just had enough,” he said.
As well, the town’s only private medical practice was forced to closed today because of damage from one of the break-ins.
Gorge Health’s Dr P.J. Spafford said money had been stolen, windows broken and power turned off.
“It looks like a professional game that has happened,” Dr Spafford said.
“These are not just kids.”
Police have begun their investigation into what traders are saying is a spate of break-ins.
Among the businesses targeted in the crime spree were fuel stations, garages, a hairdresser and engineering workshops as well as private property.
Katherine Police Station Acting Superintendent Dave Hamlyn said officers were currently investigating the unlawful entries of nine local businesses.
“During the weekend unknown offenders have targeted local businesses for cash and electrical goods. This is disappointing that some people feel they have the right to steal from hard working community members.
“As a result, additional officers from within the Katherine Division will be provided to Detectives to assist them with their investigations and to identify and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.”
R.J. Motors owner, Rob Smith believes he was broken into on Friday night.
“The place was just trashed,” he said.
Money was stolen from within the diesel engine repair service on Emungalan Road, and about 30 cars in the workshop were ransacked, Mr Smith said.
“I think they were just after money,” he said.
“They broke into the cars to find money, stole 4WD accessories, ripped the front door off and turned the power off so there is no CCTV.
“There was a brand new car worth $130,000, which they now have the keys to so they can come back later.
“The office was just trashed, every drawer was pulled open.
“They must have had a hammer to break in,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said he came into work early Saturday morning and was stunned to find the significant amount of damage.
He said he called police at around 7am to report the incident.
“There was a lot of cleaning to do, but I will be back up and running today,” Mr Smith said.
“I have just had enough.”
He wanted to thank the police for responding so quickly.
Just across the road, Crowhurst Goodline was also targeted.
Janette Crowhurst said despite the premises being secured tightly, vandals were able to get in and search the office for money.
“It has been a total waste of my time and resources,” she said.
“Action needs to be taken, it is not acceptable.
“I hope these people are caught and brought to justice,” Ms Crowhurst said.
Further away from Emungalan road in town, Gorge Health is closed today due to more vandalism, which is suspected to have happened early Sunday about 2am.
More than $1500 was stolen from a safe, as well as money from a charity collection box raising funds for Jeans for Genes day.
The circuit breakers were taken out to cut the power, and the front glass door was smashed to allow for entry.
Police were at the scene this morning testing for finger prints.
“It looks like a professional game that has happened,” Dr Spafford said.
“I think we are part of a spate of break ins, and I am hoping these people will be caught,” he said.
The Katherine Times has contacted Katherine Police for comment.
Police encourage anyone with information that may assist with their investigations into these incidents, to contact them on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
