A restaurant owner in Suva is facing significant challenges after discovering his establishment had been burglarized. Harminder Singh, the director of Maya Dhaba, reported that his office was invaded overnight, resulting in the theft of cash and alcohol.
Mr. Singh reflected on the unfortunate timing of the incident, which occurred soon after a successful holiday season event at the restaurant. “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 break-in was discovered when staff members arrived for their morning shift to find the back door ajar. The burglars had accessed the office, tampered with the cash register, and looted the alcohol cabinet. Although the total value of the stolen items is still being evaluated, Mr. Singh estimates that between $10,000 and $15,000 in cash has disappeared. This amount included earnings collected over the week, which were set aside for employee wages.
The incident poses an operational hurdle, as Mr. Singh now must determine how to compensate his staff, who usually receive payment on Tuesdays. In light of escalating crime rates in the area, he is calling on local authorities to enhance police visibility in Suva and urges the public to foster a sense of community and civic responsibility.
“We are Australian-based and have been operating here since 2007. Our customers here in Fiji are not mostly local, so this incident is a significant setback,” he added, voicing his concerns about the current safety climate for businesses. However, he emphasizes the importance of looking out for one another, highlighting that while police may not be omnipresent, community vigilance is paramount.
Authorities have confirmed that a report has been filed at the local police station, and an investigation is underway.
For the local community, this incident serves as a wake-up call to collaborate in maintaining safety and security in the neighborhood, encouraging businesses and residents alike to work together to deter crime and promote a safer environment.
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