By Alesha Capone
Wyndham police are investigating a supermarket burglary and a petrol station break-in last week.
The Sims IGA supermarket on Tarneit Road, Werribee, was broken into about 4am on June 20. Cigarettes valued at thousands of dollars were stolen from the store.
It is believed to be the third break-in at the business within the past eight months, including one about three weeks ago during which cigarettes and alcohol were stolen.
Julijan Markovic, the owner of the Daystarter coffee shop which is located within the supermarket, said he was concerned about safety.
“It’s very worrying as a business owner, not only because of damage to property, but image,” he said. “These kinds of incidents deter people from coming here to do their grocery shopping and having a coffee.”
Police are also investigating a break-in at a petrol station on Point Cook Road, Sanctuary Lakes. Detective Sergeant Mark Sagona, from the Wyndham Criminal Investigation Unit, said four people broke into the fuel outlet about 3.20am on June 21.
He said the offenders, who were “heavily disguised”, forced their way through the petrol station’s front door.
Detective Sergeant Sagona said the offenders remained for a few minutes before fleeing in a car, believed to be a dark-coloured SUV.
He said police were investigating whether the break-in could be linked with a series of other burglaries between 2am and 5am on the same day.
He said the burglaries “started in Melton and finished in Greenvale”.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
