Second ram-raid leaves Christchurch dairy owners frustrated

The owners of a Yaldhurst dairy have once again been left to pick up the pieces after a second ram-raid in less than six months.

Sue’s Takeaway & Convenience, on State Highway 73, was ram-raided at 2.30am on Saturday by four people in a silver Mazda.

“It was a really big bang,” said the owner of the shop who did not want to be named.

“They were in and out within 40 seconds.”

The raiders mostly stole vape products, with an estimated value of $1000, but the long-term cost to the business is much higher.

While insurance does cover the cost of most of the damage, with each attack the business’ insurance premium and cost increases.

“We just feel very angry, and there is nothing we can do.”

The owners of the shop live in the back of the business with their two school-aged children.

They said it is very scary for the kids, who don’t understand why they are being targeted.

Following the first ram-raid the family signed up for the Retail Crime Prevention Programme, but heard nothing back.

Now, following this ram-raid, they are due to have bollards installed in the coming weeks as part of the programme.

In the meantime, the owners have resorted to parking their car in front of the shop to protect it overnight.

Neighbouring business owner John Phillips was at his property at the time of the ram-raid, but was only able to see the car dive off.

“Unfortunately, they had gone before I was able to do anything except call 111 and take a photo out the window,” Phillips said.

“These kids knew what they were doing. They drove in backwards so as not to damage the car radiator.”

Phillips has set up a Givealittle page to raise funds for the dairy owners, to help cover costs and lost revenue.

As of Thursday afternoon, it had raised almost $600.

While the building has been patched up, the owners are waiting until after the bollards are installed to do full repairs.

• To help, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/same-dairy-ram-raided-again.