Village shops hit by thieves

By Bridget Cook
BUSINESSES in Pearcedale have been targeted by a what people believe is a single burglar a number of times this month.
On Tuesday 7 June, between 2.48am and 3.08am, a man attempted to burgle the General Store and then the chemist next door, in the Pearcedale Village shopping centre on Baxter-Tooradin Road.
Police said a man, wearing a hooded jumper, was seen getting out of a dark blue sedan and walked towards the electrical pole outside the general store.
He then pulled out the wires, which cut the power to the store’s alarm system.
Police said they did not know how the offender knew the wires were for the general store.
The offender then walked up to the door of the general store with a screwdriver and tried to open it, but was unsuccessful. He then moved onto the chemist, but was also unable to gain entry.
The same night, between 4am and 4.30am, an offender also broke into the Pearcedale Medical Centre, at 58 Baxter-Tooradin Road.
The man tried to jemmy open the front door of the building, but was unable to, so moved to the side door which he forced open, breaking the lock.
The premises’ alarm was activated.
Police said that once inside the offender rummaged through the draws and cupboards and pulled an air-conditioner vent off the roof.
The offender then ran off with nothing.
The final incident occurred between 2pm on 18 June and 9.30am on 19 June, when an offender broke into Pearcedale Village Meats and stole $500 cash.
Police said the offender jemmied open the door, cut the locks to the fridges and located the till, from where the cash was taken.
The offender also looked in other cupboards.
Police said they believed the burglaries and attempted burglaries were linked and could involve the same person.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Detective Josh Morgan at Casey CIU on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.