A century-old Coast jewellers has praised the community for its support after the business was targeted by an early morning ram raid.
K. Smith and Son Jewellers, on Bulcock Street in Caloundra, suffered extensive damage just after midnight on Thursday when an SUV was used to push in the doors of the shop.
Samantha Smith from K. Smith and Son said the incident had forced the family-owned and operated business to close, but that customers and community members had helped overcome the setback.
“It’s a sign of the times and I think we’d be foolish to think it would never happen to us,” she said.
“We have put lots of security steps in place to make ourselves as secure as possible and so in an event like this they can’t get much of anything, if at all.
“However, they have made a huge mess of the store and now it will just take time to re-do the shop fit.
“It’s just a big inconvenience more than anything. We are relieved everyone is safe and it helps knowing our customers’ items are fully safe and secure at all times.
“Although the aftershocks may be felt for some time while we navigate this unfortunate incident, we have felt the community envelop us with support. This is why we love Caloundra.”
A spokesperson for Queensland Police confirmed the incident.
“Police are investigating a ram raid of a shop in Caloundra early (Thursday) morning,” they said.
“Just after 12am, a light-coloured SUV was deliberately reversed into the front of a shop on Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
“The offender fled the scene in the same vehicle.
“There was extensive damage caused to the business and an unconfirmed number of items stolen.
“Investigators are appealing for anyone who has further information or has relevant vision in the Bulcock Street area between 12am and 1am to contact police.”
The business began in 1915 and has been located on Bulcock Street for 48 years.
“We’re proud to have been in the main street for as long as we have, with four generations being involved now,” Ms Smith said.
“This is thanks to our ever-supportive customers and now the new generations coming through the store.
“We have supported so many throughout our time here and have received it back tenfold. We all have a common goal to make Caloundra the best it can be.
“We take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone for their support. We look forward to bouncing back bigger and better than ever.”
Ms Smith said customers would be kept up-to-date on a reopening date.
“At this stage we are not able to say when we will reopen properly but we are open for you to pick up jobs that are ready, or for you to drop off. We will keep everyone updated with signage and on socials,” she said.
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