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Long-term Ashmont resident and Aboriginal elder Hewitt Whyman has warned his local newsagent, “your life is at risk, my friend.”
A male entered the Ashmont newsagency and post office about 6.15am on Saturday and threatened the female worker in her 20s with a knife, before escaping with a sum of cash.
News of the armed robbery has incensed locals, prompting an overwhelming amount of well wishes for the newsagent’s owner Himan Shu Rawal, his wife, and their female worker.
“So sad, they’re such lovely people there,” wrote Mel Euhus on The Daily Advertiser’s Facebook page.
“The people who run the newsagents are beautiful and don’t deserve this,” wrote Sarah Walker.
Kerry Skates wrote, “The owners are the loveliest people there. Terrible for them.”
Others took aim at the thief.
“Hope they catch the POS & throw the book at him,” wrote David Murphy.
“Leave them alone, you rotten thieves will cause all the shops to shut, decent people can’t earn a decent living anymore,’’ wrote Sharon O’Brien.
Mr Rawal became emotional when describing the show of support from customers, which he says has been overwhelming.
“They’re supporting us by their hearts. It’s not just words, its by hearts. I’m going to continue. I’m going to fight. I’m not going to pack up because I like to be with the community," Mr Rawal said.
Mr Whyman has lived there since 1974. He arrived at the newsagent to buy his daily paper and check on his friend, Mr Rawal.
“The last thing we want to see is the loss of our post office and our postmaster,” Mr Whyman said, before gravely adding that the newsagents’ are in danger from crazed robbers.
“Your life is at risk, my friend. And you are my friend,” Mr Whyman said before both men embraced in tears, still shaken by yet another attack on the business.
Like most small businesses, security is a major issue. Ashmont’s newsagency has seven closed circuit television cameras inside the shop, plus others outside.
The footage is assisting police with vital information as they investigate this latest attack.
Until now, Ashmont residents could get their morning papers from 6am.
The robbery has forced a re-think purely for safety.
