Business owner warns others after smash and grab break-in

Unnerving ... owner Jennifer Farlow, right, and employee Rhiannon Zanella are feeling uneasy after thieves smashed the front window and stole the cash register containing about $200. 

A Nambour florist has warned other businesspeople to consider beefing up security after her shop was broken into this month. 

Thieves broke and entered Nambour All Seasons Florist in Queen Street on a rainy July 4 at 11.58pm after smashing the large shopfront window. They took off with the cash register and about $200 cash. 

It appears the thieves were determined to break into the florist as they had also tried entering through the back window. 

Owner Jennifer Farlow, who is grieving her mother’s recent death, said she had no idea why they would pick on her little shop to rob.

“I really didn’t need this,” she said. “I was still trying to cope with my Mum’s passing the day before.

“They also tried to break in to the store three doors up. And a cafe in town was targeted the same night. I just hope the police can catch them.  

“As business owners I think we just need to be aware and step up our security systems ... but it’s just another added cost. It’s also the inconvenience that hurts us. We lost two days trading to clean up the mess and all the glass. It’s such a waste of time that we just don’t need.”

Jennifer said they also stole employee Rhiannon Zanella’s expensive and specialised cutters and floristry tools.

“Police haven’t come back to us yet, but they did get some good fingerprints apparently,” said Jennifer. 

All Season’s Florist has been established for 55 years. Jennifer has owned it for 20 years and it’s been in the family for 38 years. Jennifer’s recently deceased mother Joyce Farlow owned the business for a number of years. 

Jennifer said the break in left her feeling uneasy.

“In 55 years no one has broken in to this florist shop. Why do that? Queen Street is such a lovely street and we’d like to keep it a lovely little street and we don’t want to have to be worried about break-ins.” 

Nambour Senior Sergeant Police Officer in Charge Gary Brayley said investigations into the offence were continuing with a promising lead. “A possible suspect was identified from evidence located at the scene of another break and enter in Nambour that occurred on the same night as the florist,” he said.