Someone broke into Chambers Crescent Theatre today, 24 September 2007. At around 6:05 PM, I drove past there (as I often do, just to check what's happening) and noticed that the door facing the car park was unlocked. I was curious as no one was booked to use the space at that time. I walked in to find what looked like fine dust on the floor, the contents of the first aid kit strewn around on the desk, and all the desk drawers open. I checked the Chambers Crescent entrance and found that the door had been forced open. The fire extinguishers were missing as was the cordless phone; otherwise, nothing else was missing (there wasn't much there to begin with) and no other damage.

I called Andrish, who was packing up after our successful weekend events at the Theatre, to check what time they left there. He estimated they left at 1:00 PM. So the breakin occured between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

I called Henry Yap, the owner of the space, to report the incident. He arrived some minutes later and had a look. We were glad there was not much damage; he said he'd have the place cleaned tomorrow (before the belly dancing classes) and that he'll make the Chambers Crescent door more secure.

We were both annoyed however at the thoughtless actions and mischief of the person or persons who broke in there. Looks like someone had nothing better to do that afternoon.

Henry and I agreed that these incidents are part of being based at Malak, that these annoyances are part of community development work (or running a business in the area). I've had people warn me about Malak, and how I needed to be careful there. There are numerous stories of violence and breakins and other antisocial behaviour. I respond by saying "that's why we're there" and that is why Brown's Mart is there, to be able to contribute to providing alternatives to such thoughtless and inconsiderate and antisocial activities.

I'm very annoyed at the break-in, especially as it comes after a weekend of community activity in the space. There were more than a hundred people who used the Theatre on the weekend, without damaging or rubbishing it. The many people who were there on the weekend also helped set it up and clean it up. This should and will mean more than the annoyance created by an inconsiderate vandal.

I'm pissed off but we're staying there.