Legana United petrol staff say they feel nervous at work after three break-ins at the service station within the past month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One staff member, Ali Sethi, has only been working at the store for one week and has already experienced two break-ins, the latest on Saturday night.
“It’s pretty discouraging and discomforting,” he said.
“When I am closing up, I was not bothered before, but now I have to think about it.
“It’s not really a good feeling, you don’t want to have that kind of feeling when you are at work.”
The offenders did not manage to escape with cash from the store, but caused damage to the building including breaking doors, walls and glass windows.
Although nobody was working when the break-ins occurred, Mr Sethi said staff members spent time cleaning up the mess.
“It affected our operations for a while in the way that we had to stop for a couple of hours while the police did their work,” Mr Sethi said.
“They tried to take the ATM machine one of the times but were unsuccessful and they broke the wall the second time.
“They do more damage than what they take.”
The West Tamar Highway service station was the second United in Launceston to be targeted by thieves this week.
An armed robber held-up the United service station at Newnham on Tuesday night.
CCTV footage revealed a male offender entering the George Town Road store about 9.30pm, allegedly carrying a knife.
The offender escaped with cash and cigarettes.
On Wednesday, police arrested and charged a 14-year-old youth with armed robbery.
Anyone who may have information about the robbery at United Newnham or the burglaries at United Legana should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.
Crime Stoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.