By AIDAN KNIGHT AND LIAM DURKIN
A BELOVED local business has been forced to shut its doors indefinitely, after a senseless act of chaos left all of its stock unsalvageable, and down an estimated $15,000.
Lolly Kingdom, located on Franklin Street, Traralgon, was victim to an alleged break and enter, smash and grab all in one night last week.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 8.
The Express visited the scene last Wednesday morning.
Lolly stock was scattered all over the floor, while opened cans of soft drink left the surface incredibly sticky.
It is alleged the perpetrator gained entry via the back door, smashing the entry in with a large stick. Security footage showed a person on a bike moments before the alleged break-in.
The shop is usually filled with tubs of lollies and sweets. Customers use tongs to fill bags before purchase.
As per hygiene guidelines, all stock will now need to be thrown out, as the offender has likely touched various food items.
It is understood no money was stolen during the alleged raid.
Victoria Police confirmed that a male was arrested in relation to the crime early last Wednesday.
The next morning, after the suspect was released, police were able to disclose that the apprehended was aged 13. He forced entry into the Franklin St store shortly before 2am on Wednesday morning.
He was arrested near the scene, and was released with a caution issued by police.
Drinks, lollies and ice cream were consumed before stock was damaged and spilt all over the shop floor.
Lolly Kingdom released a statement via its social media.
“In the hours leading up to the break-in and then forcing entry into our small business, not only did he help himself to ice-creams, drinks and lollies over the course of two hours, he then ended his break-in by absolutely destroying a small business.”
The business said the incident was “not sure where this leaves us” in terms of remaining open.
The store has been the target of a few unsavoury incidents in the past, and recently reduced its opening time to close before 9pm to try and curb unsocial and drunken behaviour.
The owners and management will evaluate options throughout the clean-up, and weren’t entirely confident of being able to reopen again.
“Our staff members worked all day tirelessly cleaning up his mess while facing the reality of not having a job to go to tomorrow because of it,” the store’s management went on to say.
“We are absolutely devastated that someone could cause this level of destruction for no reason, and over something as small as lollies.”
The incident comes only a week after Lolly Kingdom’s Sale store was also targeted.
Pedestrians in Traralgon walking past were quick to show sympathy upon seeing the damage.
Traralgon is now also deprived of Dippin’ Dots ice cream. Lolly Kingdom was the only store in town contracted to sell the confectionary item.
Rules in place mean only one business in each area/town can sell the liquid nitrogen novelty ‘beaded ice cream’.
In a town where small businesses often rely on loyal customers and a steady stream of sweet tooths, the incident has left a particularly bitter taste.
