"I would employ all of them and give them $25 an hour but I don't think they would take me up on the offer."
The failed attempt was just one incident overnight in Auckland. Another five retailers were targeted by thieves in yet another night of burglaries.
A reinforced steel roller door with padlocks inside and out meant a failed break-in attempt for nine would-be thieves overnight. Photo / Supplied
Since May this year, there have been at least 129 ram raids - almost all have been committed by people under 18, according to police minister Chris Hipkins.
Singh has owned the large store for 27 years and has had his fair share of break-ins.
"We had ram raids and break-ins all of the time in the first two years and I said to the landlord I needed the roller doors or I would have to leave the lease.
"I was going to lose my insurance if I didn't get them."
Even with the steel roller doors running the length of the storefront, thieves came in through the roof, through the back and even through the wall.
"Believe me, I have seen it all," Singh said.
"When the shop next door was empty they even cut through the wall to get in."
Security at the store has improved over the years, with bollards, steel cabinets with sensors for cigarettes, roller doors at the back, a high-end alarm system and 16 security cameras.
"I have done a lot to stop them or slow things down if they do get inside the store with more roller cabinets.
"Then there is an alarm system and I have a lot of cameras."
Well known retailer and popular community leader Kharag Singh outside the store he has owned for 27 years. Photo / Supplied
Singh is also in the process of doubling the number of cameras honed in on his shop.
