THREE offenders wearing balaclavas pulled a door off its hinges before robbing Crib Point Cellars of $30,000 in cigarettes and alcohol.
Somerville detectives said the men used a stolen “small black car” in the 4.30am raid on the Stony Point Road business on Thursday 27 May.
Devastated proprietors Danny and Terri Bemelen, who have had the business for seven years, said they had “just stocked up” on cigarettes. “It’s amazing how quickly they go up,” Mr Bemelen said. “One packet can cost $50.”
The couple were “completely blown away” by the generosity of customers and well-wishers contributing through a GoFundMe campaign. Organiser Kiara Lacey is hoping to raise $5000.
“Danny and Terri will give you the shirt off their backs if you need it. They would never ask anybody for anything. These absolute legends have done a lot for our town and it’s time we give back to them,” Ms Lacey said.
“They would never even ask for us to do this fundraiser for them – I didn’t give them a say – but I know our town wants to help out any way we can.”
“I had to sit down when I became aware of [the GoFundMe campaign],” Mr Bemelen said. “You have some bad days when you wonder what you are doing wrong but then you get support like this. The cricket club has also helped us out.”
First published in the Western Port News – 2 June 2021
