A restaurant owner is facing significant challenges after discovering his establishment had been burglarized. Harminder Singh, the director of Maya Dhaba, located at 281 Victoria Parade in Suva, reported that his office was ransacked early yesterday morning, with cash and alcohol missing.
Singh recounted his distress by reflecting on the successful holiday season just past. “I was so happy on Sunday night because we hosted a big event at the restaurant, and then this morning I woke up to the bad news,” he stated. The restaurant had closed its doors at 10 PM on Sunday, and staff found the back door open upon arrival, indicating an unauthorized entry. The burglars had accessed Singh’s office, forcibly opened the cash register, and stole various alcoholic beverages.
While the exact value of the stolen items is still being evaluated, Singh estimates losses between $10,000 and $15,000, highlighting that this amount included funds set aside for employee wages. “All the money generated from a week of earnings is kept in my office to deposit to our business account on Monday,” Singh explained. He expressed concern over how he would manage employee payments that day.
Mr. Singh has voiced his worries about rising crime rates in the area and called for increased police presence in Suva’s upper corridor. He encouraged residents to foster a sense of civic pride and responsibility toward one another. He noted, “It is scary to do business in this country now. Police can’t be everywhere, so it’s important to practice civic pride.”
The police have confirmed that a report has been filed at the Totogo station, and an investigation into the burglary is underway.
This incident, while distressing for Mr. Singh and his team, serves as a reminder to communities about the importance of vigilance and support for local businesses. It’s encouraging to see the calls for civic responsibility, which can help strengthen community ties and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
In light of the challenges faced by local business owners, initiatives that foster community engagement and collaboration could play a vital role in addressing safety concerns and rebuilding trust.
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