17/06/2026
Another person was caught stealing from Dinki Di today. We managed to recover some of the items, but not everything that was taken. This is a picture of her little haul.
We have seen a significant increase in theft and attempted theft in recent months, particularly involving teenage boys and girls from local high schools. In some cases, students have been in school uniform.
This is incredibly disheartening.
Small businesses do not survive by magic. They survive because owners and staff work long hours, take financial risks, make personal sacrifices and continually reinvest in their businesses. Murwillumbah is fortunate to have a diverse range of independent shops and services. Those businesses contribute to local jobs, support community groups and help keep our town vibrant and prosperous.
When people steal from local businesses, they are not taking from some faceless corporation. They are directly harming the businesses that support this community. Theft increases costs, reduces profitability, threatens jobs and makes it harder for businesses to survive. Left unchecked, it leads to empty shopfronts, fewer services and a town that people no longer want to visit, invest in or live in.
Last week alone, we caught multiple groups of local students stealing and attempting to steal a popular toy brand. At the very same time, we were receiving requests for donations from local community organisations. Sadly, because of the level of theft we have experienced, we have had to decline all of those requests.
That makes my blood boil.
Money lost through theft is money that cannot be spent supporting local groups, employing staff, improving the store or giving back to the community. The selfish actions of a few people have consequences for everyone else.
Theft is not a joke. It is not funny. It is not a prank. It is a crime and it causes damage.
I have lost patience with it. Let me be absolutely clear. No matter how old you are, if you steal, or attempt to steal from our store we will report you to the police and press charges whenever possible. You will be permanently banned from our store and whenever possible issued with a trespass notice.
Enough is enough.