Readings Carlton store robbed

Readings’ flagship bookstore in Carlton has been robbed, with the burglars stealing a safe containing more than $10,000, reports the Age.

Readings managing director Mark Rubbo said the crime happened in as little as ‘six minutes’, with the burglars breaking in through a window facing Tyne Street late on 18 February or early on 19 February. They then smashed a glass window to gain access to an upstairs office, where the safe was kept.

The safe contained takings from the weekend, which Rubbo says is less than it would have been in years past, due to widespread use of PayPass and credit cards. As it was dark, CCTV cameras failed to capture any useful footage to assist Victoria Police in their investigation into the crime.

The theft has prompted a security upgrade for the independent bookshop. ‘We’ve already implemented additional security measures that will make it much more difficult for burglars to be successful,’ said Rubbo. ‘The one upside is that it occurred after hours and that no one was hurt or confronted although it has been unsettling for everyone, especially the staff member who attended the scene.’

‘I’m sure this has happened to other booksellers,’ said Rubbo. ‘I’d suggest that everyone has a look at their security and cash-handling procedures to minimise risk.’

Category: Local news