Hastings business owner Ann Smith is upgrading security after her Laurieton Cellars store was attacked for the second time in three months over the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Smith said the store is back operating this week, despite the stress from the robbery.
"We had another break-in last year and it means there is so much work to do. I don't know why people keep doing this but I hope they get caught and the courts make it worthwhile for the police to chase them up," she said.
"This has happened three times in 23 years. Unfortunately I'm going to have to put bars on the windows and grates up.
Investigations are continuing after the liquor store was broken into by a number of persons wearing hoodies and masks around 3.30am on January 30
They smashed windows and attempted to take goods from inside.
Police arrived shortly after and set up a crime scene after canvassing the area surrounding the business.
"We had alcohol and cigarettes stolen. There was a lot of damage suffered, it was just absolutely ridiculous," Mrs Smith said.
"We had fingerprints and blood taken from the scene, and the police are working hard to get them."
Read more: Couple charged after Kew golf shop break-in
Police have previously investigated a spate of vandalism, break and enters of Camden Haven businesses late last year. Laurieton Seafoods and Laurieton Cellars were both targeted.
Laurieton Seafoods office manager Gillian Beakey said recent robberies were likely the result of juveniles searching businesses for money to buy drugs.
"They are certainly not professional. Of most concern is how brazen they have been by breaking into a business in the middle of town, where anyone could have stopped them," she said.
Mrs Beakley said she suspects the culprits are local kids without employment and not people from out of town on holiday in the Camden Haven.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
What else is happening in sport?
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.