Harriet Dixon
There were three break-ins over two days at Te Awamutu’s i-Site information centre during the week before Christmas.
i-Site visitor information centre general manager Harriet Dixon and Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive Shane Walsh. Photo: Jesse Wood
The blow was a particularly low one for i-Site general manager Harriet Dixon, who at the same time was mourning the death of her mother.
“It was a devastating week… I should have been dealing with my grief and supporting my family. Instead, I had to tidy up the glass and mess at all hours.”
On three occasions from December 14 to 16, offenders broke glass panels in the front doors to gain access to the i-Site. They stole drinks, ice blocks and ice creams and damaged inside areas.
Dixon told The News she understood the offenders had been identified via CCTV and apprehended. Security at the building has been increased.
She said the community lost no time in offering help. Viking Glass replaced the glass without charge to enable the centre to re-open quickly, Everybody’s OpShop paid for a glass breaking detector and donated funds and FreshChoice Te Awamutu donated sausages for a sizzle that also raised money to replace the lost stock.
“This is such a fabulous community – they have all come together, really rallied around us here.”
