By Tyler Wright
The front window of a business in Belgrave was smashed in what is believed to be the early hours of Saturday 28 January, leaving shards of glass and damaged goods inside the store.
Co-owner of Burwood Highway’s ethical indoor market Eco Soul Collective, Courtney Hutchinson, said her business partner’s husband found police on site when he arrived for the morning shift.
“[There was] a big hole through the window, but they also found blood spattered inside and on the pavement,” Ms Hutchinson said.
While nothing was stolen, the cost of repairs and damage to goods including baby products caused by shards of glass has still made an impact.
“This is really heartbreaking, having to spend money on something that you shouldn’t need to spend money on just because someone damaged the property,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“Because we run workshops in our shop as well, having them run until 9pm to 9.30pm, and I haven’t really thought about too much until now, it’s like, ‘oh, I wonder if it’s a bit more dangerous now.'”
Both the insurance company and glass company used by the business have acted quickly, Ms Hutchinson said, with the window expected to be replaced some time this week.
“I’ve been really lucky in that regard with all of the steps to getting it fixed. It’s just been a stressful week.”
“Myself and my business partner have run small business in the past, but this is the first time we’ve had a bricks and mortar store, it’s the first time anything has happened to us in this way.”
Eco Soul Collective only opened around nine months ago, but Ms Hutchinson said the Hills community has been “brilliant”.
“People have been stopping in, all the business owners around there have been asking if we’re okay,” she said.
“We’re very lucky to be where we are.”
Police are investigating the incident.
