After enduring nearly $15,000 in losses from multiple break-ins and spending around $30,000 on security upgrades, a local businessman is finally feeling a sense of relief.

Police have arrested and charged a suspect believed to be responsible for the break-ins at a block of shops in Naracoorte.

Didar Ali, the owner of BWD Trading, a multicultural grocery store on McRae Street, expressed his gratitude to South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the local community for their support, which played a crucial role in the arrest after months of investigation.

SAPOL confirmed that following an inquiry into a break-in at a block of shops on January 10, 2025, officers apprehended a 45-year-old local man.

“He was charged with theft and serious criminal trespass. He was bailed to appear in court on 21 May,” SAPOL told this newspaper [Naracoorte News].

Mr Ali, who is partially blind, said in the past few months, his shop had been broken into three times, leaving him and his family devastated.

“I had lost nearly $15,000 in cash and around $10,000 worth of products during these break-ins,” Mr Ali claimed.

“I also had to spend about $30,000 on putting up a new fence and installing security cameras and alarms,” he said.

Describing the event as “tormenting” for his business, Mr Ali said he was happy that the police investigations led to an arrest after so long.

While pleased that the investigation led to an arrest, the businessman is urging increased police presence in town, especially during late-night hours.

“We need more police patrols in town at night. This will help keep businesses and the community safe,” Mr Ali said.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte News.
Related story: Upset and broken!