kate.bonsack@starnewsgroup.com.au



SHOP owners fear for their safety after a Newport business owner was violently attacked during a robbery last week.

The proprietor of Melanie K Pregnancy, a maternity clothing store in Melbourne Rd, was inside her store stocking shelves when she was hit in the back of her head and knocked unconscious about 3pm.

While the 32-year-old Williamstown resident laid on the floor unconscious and her 10-month-old baby slept in the rear of the shop, her attacker forced open the cash register and stole a small amount of cash.

The Embona Armed Robbery Taskforce has taken up the case and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The taskforce’s leader, Sergeant Charlie Bezzina, said that unfortunately the shop proprietor was unaware that someone had entered the shop and was hit in the head before she could see her attacker.

“We have no description,” he said. “So we’re looking for people who may have been in the area last Tuesday just prior to 3pm and may have seen something suspicious, or a suspicious vehicle, to contact Crime Stoppers.

“We’ve spoken to nearby shop owners, but no one saw anything.

“If anyone becomes aware that this person is out there bragging about this crime, certainly contact us.”

A neighbouring business owner, Joseph Marakis, of Ocean Breeze Fish & Chips, said there were a lot of robberies in the shopping strip.

“It’s happened before,” he said. “I’ve been here 12 years, but in the last year I’ve heard about more robberies happening. It’s scary.

“My wife and children are here on their own sometimes, so we have put in more security.”

Sgt Bezzina said the attack had left the victim extremely shaken and she was seeking counselling.

“She did open the shop today (Thursday, 8 January) and that’s the best form of counselling, to get back to normality and not be held ransom by these particular type of criminals,” he said. “This attack is very concerning to us.