A restaurant owner is facing challenges after his establishment was targeted by burglars. Harminder Singh, director of Maya Dhaba, an Indian restaurant situated at 281 Victoria Parade in Suva, reported that his office was ransacked, resulting in the theft of cash and alcohol. The incident occurred just a day after a successful event at the restaurant, which made the news even more disheartening.
On Sunday night, the restaurant operated normally until closing at 10 PM. However, when staff arrived the following morning, they discovered the back door was open and that the office had been looted. Singh detailed that the intruders had not only broken into the cash register but also taken a significant amount from the alcohol cabinet. While the total value of the stolen goods is yet to be confirmed, Singh estimates that between $10,000 to $15,000 in cash was lost.
This cash included money generated from a week of earnings, which was set to be deposited that Monday, as well as wages for employees who do not yet have bank accounts, with payments scheduled for Tuesday. He expressed his concern about how this theft would disrupt operations and impact his ability to pay his staff promptly.
Singh urged local authorities to intensify police presence in the area following an increase in crime reports in the country. He emphasized the need for civic responsibility among the public, stating, “We must look out for each other.” Despite being an Australian-based business operating in Fiji since 2007, he noted that this incident presents a serious challenge, particularly as most of their clientele are not locals.
The police have confirmed that a report has been filed at the Totogo station, and an investigation into the matter has begun.
In light of this unfortunate incident, it is crucial for the community to band together to support local businesses and restore confidence in public safety. Cooperation between residents and law enforcement could lead to a safer environment, helping businesses thrive once again.
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