Jaidyn Kennedy
Werribee small business owner Amanda Price is reeling after her food truck was broken into earlier this month.
The owner of Gigi’s Homemade noticed something was amiss when she attempted to unlock the trailer, only to find it was already open.
Soon after, Ms Price realised she had been robbed of a substantial portion of her inventory, including more than 250 drinks, numerous food items and over $1000 worth of coins she was intending on banking.
She believes the break-in occurred between Friday, October 4 and Monday, October 7.
“I feel utterly destroyed and violated,” she said.
Among the stolen items was Ms Price’s 11-year-old daughter Destiny’s tip jar, which she was hoping to spend at the Melbourne Royal Show.
“To have this happen to a little girl of 11, it’s not nice – if they had that happen to their children, I’m sure they wouldn’t like it,” Ms Price said.
When asked how she felt about losing the money she worked hard for, Destiny said she “felt devastated”.
Ms Price estimated the total revenue losses her business will suffer is over $6000, adding that an insurance excess of over $700 made matters more difficult.
“I spend hours doing what I do just to have quality food for my customers,” she said.
“It’s going to take time to heal from this – I’m not healed from this, not by a long shot.”
Pointing to the pressure that large financial losses can put on vendors, she remains adamant that she will not increase prices for the time being.
“I haven’t put my prices up and I won’t put my prices up.
“I’m not doing that to my customers because I’m not greedy and I’m not in this to get rich.”
Despite the losses and stresses, Ms Price thanked the local businesses and community for rallying behind her.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
