The quaint spot under the escalator inside Marketplace Gungahlin has been his "happy space" for 18 years. But a spate of burglaries in August has changed everything, leaving him fearful for his safety.
Phong Quach's Michael's Keys and Gifts kiosk, a fixture in the heart of the North Canberra shopping centre, was targeted twice in under two weeks. Masked intruders smashed glass display cases to steal Zippo lighters, knives, and multi-tools, leaving behind nearly $20,000 in damage and stolen stock.
The 62-year-old, described by locals as a Gungahlin icon, has run his key-cutting and gift shop opposite Big W for nearly two decades. But an early-morning phone call on August 19 turned his routine upside down.
"The mall security called me early in the morning and told me someone had broken the glass at my shop," recalled Mr Quach, who rushed in to find his small business ransacked.
"They took Swiss Army knives, Leatherman multi-tools, and other goods worth nearly $12,000. CCTV showed it was two kids, masked and wearing gloves. That same night, a poker machine on the top floor was also broken into and cash was stolen," he said.
Just as the small-business owner began piecing his shop back together, the thieves struck again.
Early on Saturday, he received another dread-inducing phone call.
"It happened around 1.40am on Saturday. It was one guy, and he completely smashed the glass panels on the side," a dejected Mr Quach said.
During the second break-in, the burglar made off with nearly $8000 worth of display items, including knives and Zippos. It is believed the burglars gained entry to the complex by forcing open a small glass door at a side entrance.
"I'm shocked, embarrassed, and scared. Things have become difficult for me and it is no longer my safe space. My family is worried about me, and my children keep calling to check in," he said.
Mr Quach's damaged display cabinets remain half-empty, patched up with plastic. Distressed by the news, regular customers and residents have rallied around the long-time trader to offer their support.
"He is like a Gungahlin icon and a generation of people know him. It is a shame to see him hit like this," said resident Wendy Ruediger, who dropped by with her mother, Julie.
"These people have no respect or fear. It has become so hard for small businesses like his in the community," Julie said.
ACT Policing confirmed investigations into both break-ins at Marketplace Gungahlin were ongoing, with suspects remaining at large.
"Officers observed multiple display cabinets smashed and enquiries are continuing to confirm any stolen items. Investigations remain ongoing into both of these incidents including whether they are linked," a police spokesperson said.
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers website, quoting reference 8484176.
Beyond the heavy financial loss, uncertainty surrounding Mr Quach's sole source of livelihood continues to weigh on him.
"They will come again," the worried trader said.
