Source : Perth Now news
A frightening bottle shop raid in Sydney’s southwest has left a family shaken, with a teenage boy charged and four other youths still being hunted by police after alcohol was allegedly stolen and staff were assaulted.
Police allege five youths targeted The Bottle-O at Narellan Vale on Holdsworth Dr about 6.05pm on Saturday, with CCTV capturing the group entering the store as the owner became concerned almost immediately.
One youth appeared to pull his shirt over the lower half of his face, while two others were wearing hoodies.
Store owner Guo told 7News she suspected trouble as soon as she saw the group approaching.
“I saw those kids wearing black clothes, we had already had a similar incident before, so I knew straight away something wasn’t right,” Guo told 7News.
She moved to the entrance and tried to stop them from coming in without an adult, but the group allegedly pushed past and stopped her from shutting the door.
As the situation escalated, Guo called for help from her 20-year-old son, Santiago, who said he was struck in the face as he tried to intervene.
“They just grabbed alcohol and smashed alcohol everywhere,” Santiago told 7News.
“I tried to catch one of the people in the group. I got punched in my left eye, and my vision became blurred. I also had a very serious headache.
“That’s the first time in my life I’ve been punched, to be honest. I’m a bit scared.”
Guo was also left with minor injuries after she was allegedly pushed during the confrontation inside the shop.
The chaos spilt outside, where members of the public stepped in after hearing Guo scream.
A 13-year-old boy was stopped outside the store and later arrested by police.
He was taken to Narellan Police Station and charged with larceny involving property worth less than $2000. Police also charged him over a separate alleged theft at a business in Mount Annan earlier this year.
The boy was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before a children’s court on November 2.
Inside the store, CCTV shows smashed bottles, liquid across the floor and stock scattered through the shop after the alleged raid.
Santiago estimated about $1000 worth of alcohol was stolen or damaged, but told 7News the family was carrying more than just a financial loss.
“Very stressful to do business in Australia, especially because of the teenagers,” he said.
He also said he believed he had seen some of the youths before and urged parents to speak with their children about theft and respect for the law.
For Guo, the incident has left a lasting sense of fear. She said her family moved from Argentina to Australia about five years ago and built a life here, with their three children now studying at university. But after the alleged attack, she no longer feels at ease at work.
“Now whenever I see young people, I get scared. I’m worried they’ll steal something or attack someone,” she said.
“They stole things and then attacked people as well. It’s frightening.
“Now if someone makes a sudden movement, we get nervous and wonder what they’re about to do. We’re always on edge.”
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to contact Camden Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
