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Exclusive: 'Anger and disgust' after brutal attack on Perth shopkeeper

Some are already rallying to support the store owner, who was charged with detaining a child thief as those responsible for the violence got off scot-free.
The violent mob was caught on CCTV assaulting staff, pelting rocks at people in the store, trashing shelves and stealing items.
The confronting sight, first aired on 9News last night, has infuriated many in the Kelmscott community. 
So much so, local Stephen Marshall is crowdfunding to cover the store owner's legal fees and has already raised close to $3000. 
The Perth community have rallied behind the IGA owner who has been charged for detaining a child thief till police arrived
The Perth community have rallied behind the IGA owner who has been charged for detaining a child thief till police arrived (9news)
Mr Marshall claims he has seen with his own eyes what he calls “out-of-control thieving” at Kelmscott stores.

"It's just disgraceful, it's absolutely disgraceful," he said.

"No other words for it, and I'm sure a lot of their elders would agree. They don't want it to happen."

It's that relentless shoplifting which drove the IGA's owner to detain a nine-year-old thief in an office until police could arrive. 

Instead, the boy's supporters got there first and lashed out in a violent and destructive rampage. 

While the shopkeeper was charged with assault and deprivation of liberty, the angry mob has not received any punishment as yet.
While those who attacked him and ransacked his store have gotten off scot-free
While those who attacked him and ransacked his store have gotten off scot-free (9news)
However, Police Minister Michelle Roberts says that may not be the case for much longer and is investigating the incident.
"Look, no matter what's occurred there's no excuse for that response," Ms Roberts said.
"Police will investigate that footage and they'll take the appropriate action."
There are calls for the store owner's charges to be dropped altogether, with citizen's arrests using reasonable force supposed to be allowed under WA law.
Some store owners have told 9News that sometimes officers don't even turn out to stealing incidents and thieves are capitalising on it.
Russell Zimmerman from The Retailers Association said thieves are costing WA businesses $1.2 billion a year and it's resulting in customers having to pay more for their groceries to cover the loss.
Restaurant owners are also being affected by the violence - Roy Chacko, has had his car broken into twice in as many months
Restaurant owners are also being affected by the violence - Roy Chacko, has had his car broken into twice in as many months (9news)
"We need stronger action against people who are found to be thieving from retailers to ensure they don't do it again," Mr Zimmerman said.
But it's not just shopkeepers being affected - restaurant owner Roy Chacko has had his car broken into and robbed twice in as many months.

"There's lots of things happening so the stealing is very bad," he said.
Mr Chacko says he's given up on getting the smashed window repaired as a result.
 
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