The local business owner had $3500 worth of stock stolen last Wednesday night, after a brick was thrown through her computer store in the central business district.

Two laptop computers were stolen, along with other computer accessories.

One week earlier, her car window was smashed in the store’s car park, and it was targeted another time when it was parked in a different area.

Gulf Computer Services owner Natalie Kittel said the incidents were not encouraging for new business owners.

“You have enough expenses to worry about, before having to fix a window and replacing stock,” she said.

She said that although she believed the attacks weren’t personal, she felt that she, and her business, weren’t safe in the city in the night.

Ms Kittel said penalties should be more severe on offenders that have been caught.

“It just doesn’t seem fair, I was just about ready to give up when I saw the third window, but that’s not going to happen.”

A similar incident occurred last Friday night, when a house was broken into on Bond Street.

Two laptop computers, along with money, were stolen from a house.

Port Augusta Police Operations Inspector Mark Syrus said that unfortunately, computers had always been an attractive item to steal.

However, he did not believe the two incidents were related.

Another break-in occurred in a set of storage units on Old Tarcoola Road at the weekend.

Although nothing was stolen, damage was done to the padlocks.

Operations Inspector Syrus said the break-ins were a concern to police.

He said that police rely heavily on the public to help them with incidents, especially break-ins.

“It’s important that people keep their eyes open, and report any suspicious behaviour.”

A special team has been established to investigate the incidents and identify offenders, he said.