THIEVES have stolen thousands of dollars worth of equipment from a Gwelup massage therapist.
Areke Remedial owner Malia Arekediscovered her North Beach Road business had been broken into when she arrived at work with her six-year-old son on Wednesday morning.
“The place was in a bit of a state,” she said.
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READ NOWMs Areke found she was missing expensive machinery including a TheraGun and electro acupuncture machine, which helped set her business apart from others.
Thieves also stole dry needling supplies, a massage table, tablet and, curiously, the salt rock from a lamp.
She reported the incident to police and is hoping insurance will cover the approximately $4000 value of the equipment, but said the worst aspect was the feeling of violation.
“That’s what rattled me the most, coming in to a place where I help people,” she said.
“I’ve never had that kind of violation before.”
Ms Areke posted about the incident in a local community Facebook group and said the response had lifted her spirits.
“The community support was just beautiful,” she said.
“I had people I don’t know offer to help me out with their (massage) tables.”
She is continuing to operate and urged people to be security conscious.
“If nothing else, it’s a reminder for people even in a good suburb…to just be really vigilant,” she said.
Scarborough Police Senior Sergeant Craig Wanstall said police were investigating the incident and anyone with information should call 131 444.