An estimated $80,000 worth of products and goods were stolen from two Manly businesses after a break and entry early into Friday morning just after midnight. But one victim refuses to play, er, victim, about the whole ordeal, remaining grateful for what remains.
“I learned to deal, all my neighbours, beautiful, every client, beautiful, neighbour, beautiful, community, I have a lot of love. What am I complaining for?” Owner of Belle Isle Salon, Michelle said.
CCTV footage reveals a man on a bike arriving at the arcade on Belgrave Street and failing to break into Wokbar before moving onto Belle Isle Salon and boutique design studio, Momooco at around 12.30 am.
The man was seen meticulously sifting through items in the stores showing no signs of panic or urgency.
“He was in here for a while,” the owner of Momocco, Melissa explained after watching the footage, “and when we could see him, he came in, turned the light on, and then he was just helping himself and selecting things, like he was shopping.”
Melissa said from what she had recorded from her stock so far, around $10,000 worth of items were stolen including a laptop, golden stones and “lots of men’s products such as rings and hand-carved items”.
The brunt of it, however, was given to Momocco’s shop neighbour Michelle who owns Belle Isle Salon.
The store which has been operating in the Manly area for 24 years, suffered a theft of an estimated $70,000 – most of the loss accumulating from ‘artefact jewellery’ that was on display in the store.
Despite the devastating loss, Michelle had an enlightened view, sharing her Buddhist spirituality prompts her to appreciate life’s non-materialistic pleasures.
“If my insurance gives me back a little bit then I’ll be happy, but if I can’t get back, I’m still happy because I am healthy. I still love deeply, and I have so many people around me supporting me, and I feel so, so grateful,” she shared.
Michelle had only been back in Australia for a few minutes before learning of the robbery news.
The Manly business owner was visiting Vietnam for her annual charity trip where she and a group of like-minded people help the less fortunate. The charity lends an array of services such as providing supplies to the needy and building facilities for the homeless and orphans.
“For 18 years, I do charity, you know, and with all the money I save, I pay a little bit back. Share, share for people who don’t have opportunity. You open your heart, share with people, that way you’re not thinking too much about material, but live.”
Michelle’s flight was delayed two hours, leaving her sister in a panic who had learned of another plane which had apparently let “burned up” leaving from Vietnam that day.
“My sister said to me, I feel sad, because maybe the flight went boom, she thought I could have died and not be here, you know. But when she realised it was okay she said, oh my God, don’t feel bad about the material, you should feel alive. you lost everything in your shop. But you are alive. You should feel blessed.”
Forensics has gathered evidence from the scene and police are yet to provide a statement relating to the incident but are currently inquiring with locals for more information.
Owner of Wokbar Manly, Alina Ly, said in the 23 years the business has operated, this is the first time she’s experienced something like this but suspects the alleged robber is a local after reviewing the CCTV footage.
“You could tell he knows the place. He’s been around. He’s riding a bike, so that tells me that he’s a local or at least lives on the Northern Beaches.”
Around four hours before the break-in last Friday, police were called to an armed robbery at Ava Thai Massage & Spa on Pittwater Road, Brookvale at around 8. 45 pm Thursday. It is not known if the two events are in any way related.
Police were told a man entered the business and produced a knife before threatening staff for money. A customer in the parlour interjected and confronted the man, causing him to flee.
Investigations are still ongoing but police say they are likely looking for a man known to them.
Melissa, who has run Momooco for around three and a half years said she has never experienced any kind of suspicious activity in the area but would love locals to keep an eye out for any of her stolen jewellery.
“It’d be just nice to support local, just help us keep running, drop in. You know, business is pretty tough at the moment for everybody,” she said.
“If anyone sees anyone wearing our products, please let us know!”
As for Michelle, the single mother says this is not the first challenge life has thrown her way but she accepts it as part of her journey and is grateful for what she still has.
“I can make money again, you know, the material you can make, you can lose. Money can come, money can go. For me, that’s how I look, and that’s why I feel relaxed.
“My Monday morning, I started my new life again. That is my new journey.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
