Shovels, Lock-Picking, and Rising Bills: Inside Melbourne’s Restaurants Grappling With Crime

From an opening-week break-in to intruders wielding shovels on Hardware Lane, restaurant operators describe mounting security concerns and business costs.

Shovels, Lock-Picking, and Rising Bills: Inside Melbourne’s Restaurants Grappling With Crime

TL;DR

  • Restaurant operators in Melbourne are facing increased pressure from break-ins, theft, and rising operating expenses.
  • These issues make it difficult for small businesses to keep prices affordable.
  • Giovanni Sutjiutama, owner of Indonesian eatery Kenangan, experienced a break-in during his restaurant's opening week.
  • The intruder stole the till and threw rocks at Sutjiutama's brother-in-law while fleeing.