NT Friendship and Support is another of the Katherine businesses hit over the weekend by vandals in a town-wide break-in spree.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The First Street service which provides professional care and promotes a supportive community got off with only one broken window.
It appears vandals did not get into the building.
At least 10 other Katherine businesses are today counting the cost from the spate of break-ins over the weekend.
Cars were ransacked, offices were trashed and money stolen during what traders are describing as a coordinated series of thefts.
NT Friendship and Support executive officer Stephanie Ransome said there was now an uneasiness among the staff.
“Something like this can really throw you off track,” she said.
“It was clear from the break, someone purposely had something to break the window. It wasn’t a random rock picked up.”
The organisation has been working to establish Equalitea, a social enterprise next door, which will provide training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities
Ms Ransome said she thought the break-in could have been much worse.
“We have invested in social equality and it is scary to think the damage could have been much worse.”
Katherine Police Station acting superintendent Dave Hamlyn said officers were currently investigating the unlawful entries of nine local businesses.
“During the weekend unknown offender/s 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.”
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.
