Thieves have hit a new low, raiding a Lego store in Melbourne’s southeast that provides vulnerable children with a safe space to play.
In a cold-hearted smash and grab in the dark of night, hooded thieves rammed Brick Evolution in Cheltenham before racing through the store armed with a torch and a Santa sack.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lego store supporting vulnerable children robbed twice
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One by one, they cleared the shelves, bagging $6000 worth of products in under five minutes.
It’s the second time the business has been targeted. Last time, thieves took $60,000 worth of Lego.
Owner Chris Hurwood said the impact was devastating.
“The heart was pounding and the gut was dropped and the nervous shakes and I couldn’t, you know, the hands are like this,” he said.
The thieves raided the store, taking $6000 worth of product. Credit: 7NEWSIt is the second time the store has been raided. Credit: 7NEWS
Hurwood opened the store last year, partly as a way to help with his PTSD and mental health.
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“It’s more than just a job. It’s, this is, this is sort of everything. This is my my saviour back into the community,” he said.
The store is more than just a retail outlet – it’s a safe space for vulnerable children and runs programs through the NDIS and other workshops.
“This is a community store. This is a family store,” Hurwood said.
“I sort of opened up my heart, reached out to the community and said, what do you need?”
Hurwood is doing all he can to prevent another smash and grab, including installing bollards outside the store.
The owner has been left devastated by the attack. Credit: 7NEWSThe owner has vowed to remain open. Credit: 7NEWS
He’s also calling on the community to be vigilant when shopping online.
“Anyone who’s shopping for Lego online and comes across a product that’s being sold for less than retail price, question why that is,” he said.
“Ask the person why they’re selling a $5, $6, $700 Lego set for $200.”
Despite the setbacks, Hurwood vows not to let the criminals win.
“Perhaps being the better man, staying open, soldiering through it,” he said.
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