Reward To Catch Thieves

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday January 15, 2008

By MATTHEW KELLY

A LAKE Macquarie kitchen goods distributor is fighting back against thieves who have repeatedly targeted its Cameron Park warehouse.

Peter McInnes Pty Ltd took out a full-page advertisement in last Saturday's Herald H2 offering a maximum $5000 reward for information about four break-ins at its warehouse during November and December.

Entry was gained by ramming the building's doors with a vehicle on each occasion.

Thieves stole an estimated $35,000 worth of KitchenAid brand goods, which are believed to have made their way on to the black market.

The reward notice stated the company was not interested in prosecuting individuals in possession of stolen goods, only those responsible for the break-and-enters and thefts.

Knightland Security loss prevention officer Neville Reid said there had been a strong response to Saturday's reward offer.

"The business has decided that enough is enough and they have chosen to put up a reward to try and catch these criminals," Mr Reid said.

"It's not just the stolen property but the damage to the business premises and lost time that also adds up."

New electronic surveillance equipment has also recently been installed to bolster security.

Anyone who received a KitchenAid appliance since November 22, which they believe may be stolen, can have it replaced with a new product with warranty.

Anyone with information should contact Knightland Security on 0400 505 001.