Mount Isa business owner suffers repeated vandalism, cites financial and emotional toll

A Sweet Business Facing Sour Luck: Third Vandalism in Three Years

"We just can't catch a break." For Ishani Harney, the owner of a cake business in Mount Isa, running a small enterprise has meant facing repeated vandalism and a costly, frustrating search for support.

Ishani Harney has now experienced three separate vandalism incidents in three years. Her troubles began shortly after moving into commercial premises in 2022 with a break-in that caused over $2,800 in damage. The most recent incident, a smashed glass door, cost $585 to repair.

The financial burden extends beyond the direct damage. After the first incident, Harney paid $800 out of pocket for repairs, noting that police told her they could not recover the money from the offender.

Insurance excesses and rising premiums have added to the strain, making each incident more expensive than the last.

Following the latest vandalism, Harney chose not to report it to police.

"It would be time-consuming and ineffective," she said, explaining her belief that the process would not yield results.

She has also faced difficulty accessing government grants for security upgrades, describing the application process as confusing and inaccessible for a small business owner.

Mount Isa officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Michael Hobden acknowledged community frustrations but strongly encouraged reporting.

"We rely on reports to identify trends and allocate resources," he stated. He added that Mount Isa maintains higher clearance rates than the state average for many offences, suggesting that reporting does make a difference.

Despite the setbacks, Harney continues to operate and contribute to community events. However, the cost of additional security remains a major hurdle. A simple roller door, quoted at around $9,000, is currently unaffordable for her small business.

For now, she continues to bake, hoping for a break from the break-ins.