West Coast's simple solution to ram-raids

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27 Sep, 2022 08:00 PM2 mins to read

Giant boulders offer protection against any would be ram-raiders. Photo / Paul McBride

On the Spot Paroa store owners, Gerald Birch and Eveline Vos stand in front of their dairy and takeaways, which now feature a brace of schist boulders.

The new look was driven by the spate of ram raids, which have been happening almost daily around the country, with Auckland and Waikato, particularly under siege.

Paroa is on the southern end of Greymouth on State Highway 6.

Schist rocks at the front door of Paroa dairy. Photo / Paul McBride

Ram raids are unknown on the Coast, but Birch said the rocks would offer security while also adding an authentic West Coast look.

"It is as a precaution as there are a lot of ram raids going on — it's happening everywhere," he said, adding two South Island On the Spot stores had also reportedly been hit.

"We got the rocks from Westland Schist and they look great, especially as a deterrent.

"Everyone that comes into the shop likes the idea and the look."

The couple also plan to place a number of smaller rocks to soften the look, as well as a new bench seat at the front of the store.

- Greymouth Star