Decision to pull out supported

Lorraine and Waa Whareaitu are quitting their business after being hit by one burglary too many. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The owners of Kaikohe's Trumps Cafe say they have been inundated with support since deciding to quit their business after it was burgled 17 times in three years.

Waa, 28, and Lorraine Whareaitu, 22, have run their shop in Station Rd since 2010 but a break-in last week was the last straw for them.

Intruders used a large rock to smash a strengthened window, making off with just $150 worth of coffee syrup and wine but causing more than $1000 damage. Eight youths, all thought to be aged 14-17, were captured on the cafe's security cameras. One appeared this week in the Kaikohe Youth Court.

Mr Whareaitu said he was struggling to find words to respond to the "amazing comments of support", especially on the Kaikohe Community Watch Facebook page, since an Advocate story was published. Most people had supported their decision to quit. The business was now on the market and Mrs Whareaitu had started a new job as a chef at a Paihia cafe.

Mr Whareaitu and his wife had enjoyed being in business and were grateful to their supporters and customers, but couldn't take any more.

"We've been broken into 17 times over the last three years, that's 17 times we have had to pay $1000 to our insurance company for the excess and damage. Also the mental stress that is caused isn't worth it.

"These youths have no idea the grief they cause, breaking up families and ruining job opportunities for our community. We are gutted. We worked hard, as did our staff, and my family. We don't deserve this but we will move on to better and bigger things."

Mr Whareaitu said those involved in crime needed to realise they were crippling society and ultimately also themselves. He urged them to change for the sake of themselves, their whanau and the town. "We look forward to seeing some progress for our town. Kia kaha, Kaikohe."

Apart from whanau, the cafe has three staff who are looking for new jobs.

Meanwhile, Kaikohe Community Watch founder Tony Taylor is due to meet community board members, councillors and police on Monday to discuss the town's recent upsurge in youth crime and vandalism.