By Brendan Rees
At least two bandits are on the run after using a car to ram raid a supermarket in Clyde North on Tuesday morning, 2 July.
Police are searching for the pair who reversed a car, believed to be a four-wheel-drive, into the roller doors at Woolworths Selandra Rise on Linsell Boulevard about 2.30am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Dwyer of the Eastern Region Crime Squad said detectives were in the process of obtaining CCTV footage and were yet to determine what was stolen.
“It’s either potentially bugger all or potentially a whole lot,” he said.
Sen Sgt Dwyer said the intruders allegedly tried to access cash and were in the store between three to four minutes.
“There was a security guard on site as they left. They attended because of the alarm but by the time they got there the four-wheel-drive had driven out and left.”
Sen Sgt Dwyer said no arrests had been made and were investigating.
Woolworths confirmed no staff members were in the store at the time.
“We are currently supporting police with their investigations into the incident,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“Woolworths Selandra Rise is currently open for business and we’re looking forward to welcoming our customers in store.”
Sen Sgt Dwyer said the damage was “extensive” with the store closed for part of the day while police investigated the crime scene.
“They’ve used a number of tools to gain access,” he said.
“There’s at least two offenders involved.
“You’re looking at tens of thousands (of dollars) once you put in two sets of sliding doors, and roller door and everything else.”
It’s believed the car involved was stolen, Sen Sgt Dwyer said, adding he was unable to confirm the make or model.
“It’s one of those ones where generally they don’t use their own cars.
“If they’re prepared to break into the shopping centre then they’re more than prepared to do that,” he said.
He added the incident was not something that had “occurred in the area of late.”
No tools had been left behind in the store, he said. “Nothing at this stage … We’re hoping at some stage they’ll turn up in the car and they’ll have something in there.”
A staff member at a nearby shop, who did not wish to be named, said: “This centre has been hit quite a few times.”
“Some of the stores have been hit twice … It’s a bit nerve wracking when you know it happens where I work.”
