Security beefed up to deter burglars

TIGHTENED UP: The owners of Western Auto Mart have extensively upgraded security on their business after three break-ins. PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA WTA250214LFAUTO03

Auto mart broken into three times

The owners of a Masterton business left financially and emotionally drained following three burglaries in three months have spent a small fortune to deter and keep thieves out.

Western Auto Mart owners Ian and Pam Eades have added extra security to the tune of about $4000, locking their business up tight with metal bars and grills.

They've added security cameras and sensor flood-lighting surrounding the building to try and tackle the thieves.

"We've stepped up security at a big cost ... It's ridiculous. It's now like Mt Eden Prison, which was built to keep the criminals in. We want to keep them out," Mr Eades said.

They've been hit by three burglaries since September. Mr Eades believes twice it was kids who vandalised the building, smashing computer monitors, stealing the Hospice donation box, a cellphone and sweets after they couldn't open the cigarette cabinet.

"They just created havoc."

In November, Eruera Henare smashed in, stealing $1800 in tobacco products. He has been sentenced to nine months' jail and ordered to pay the Eades $1000; which they don't think they will ever see.

They are already being drip-fed $900 ordered by the court in 1994 after a customer had paid with fraudulent cheques.

Mr Eades doesn't think jail will help Henare.

"Physical hard work. He needs to work to pay his debts and pay back society for what he has done ... work it out, I say," he said.

It had been an extremely difficult time for them during the spate of burglaries, Mr Eades said.

The alarm would go off. He'd get a call and turn up to find the business with smashed windows and have to stay on site until the morning, when workmen could arrive.

"It was really stressful. You'd always be thinking about what you'll find and if anyone was still inside. It's not nice for any of us."

The Eades won't be throwing in the towel any time soon, though.

"We like what we do. We can't worry about it and just have to keep going."