The “assault” of a homeless man in central Dunedin couldn't have come at a worse time for a restaurant owner.
Dunedin Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Rae said police arrested a 55-year-old man after he was seen “breaking a window” in the area of Octagon and Lower Stuart Street at about 12.30am yesterday. Ta.
Sergeant Ray said five businesses were affected but further reports were considered likely to be made.
Pizza Bar, Brew Bar, Best Café and Finders Keepers Boutique were also damaged.
Pizza bar owner Andre See, who officially bought the business about two weeks ago, said the front door of the business was vandalized after a homeless man “just went on a rampage with a trolley all over Stuart Street.” spoke.
Around 1 a.m. yesterday, the day before the pizzeria reopened, he received a call from a police officer.
“We’re taking a lot of punches right now.
“One of our properties in St. Clair has just been given a red sticker due to flooding.
“To be honest, that's not much of a concern for me.”
Mr See said he hoped the pizza shop's front door would be replaced by tomorrow and that customers would be understanding by then.
Brew Bar co-owner Mark Fraser said a homeless man “pushed a shopping cart through the window.”
The staff was cleaning the glass and had asked the glass company to repair the window and they wanted it fixed by the end of the week.
The 55-year-old is scheduled to appear in court this week.
Sergeant Ray said charges were still being finalized.
• Police 105 or Crimestoppers 0800555-111.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
