Owner devastated by brazen burglary
A Hannan Street businessman says the viability of his store has been seriously jeopardised by a burglary which could cost him upwards of $50,000.
Prospector's Patch owner Jamie Line was in Perth to surprise his wife for her birthday when he discovered his store had been broken into on Sunday night.
He immediately jumped into his car and drove back to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to assess the damage caused to a store he opened less than 12 months ago.
Arriving about 2.30am, Mr Line said he was "absolutely devastated" to see the state of his shop.
"They (the burglar) kicked the door in, all the wood was broken … they came round and knocked a big glass cabinet down, all my really good crystal specimens I've collected over the years were smashed," he said.
"Then they've gone to the big (cabinet), got a bar in there and cracked that … both were trashed."
The biggest blow to the business was the quantity of gold nuggets stolen by the burglar, which police this week confirmed could be worth about $50,000.
Mr Line said the burglary had affected him both mentally and commercially.
Police have described the person of interest as 185cm tall with a slim build and olive complexion.
After the burglary, the man ran across Hannan Street into Cassidy Street, turning right into the laneway near Wizard Pharmacy and Commonwealth Bank.
Anyone who may have information relating to the burglary is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the gold stealing detection unit on 9021 9750.
