Shovels, Lock-Picking, and Rising Bills: Inside Melbourne’s Restaurants Grappling With Crime

Melbourne restaurant operators are experiencing significant pressure from break-ins, theft, and rising operating expenses, which are impacting their ability to maintain affordable prices. Giovanni Sutjiutama, owner of Kenangan, recounted an incident where his restaurant was broken into during its opening week, with the thief stealing the till. These security concerns, coupled with increased costs, are a growing challenge for small businesses in the city.

• Restaurant operators in Melbourne are facing increased pressure from break-ins, theft, and rising operating expenses.
• These issues make it difficult for small businesses to keep prices affordable.
• Giovanni Sutjiutama, owner of Indonesian eatery Kenangan, experienced a break-in during his restaurant’s opening week.
• The intruder stole the till and threw rocks at Sutjiutama’s brother-in-law while fleeing.