By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON Police are urging the public to report sightings of vehicles or suspicious behaviour after a spate of burglaries were committed on commercial premises earlier this month.
The call comes as at least six separate incidents occurred after hours at businesses throughout the municipality.
On 9 May at about 2.30am an unknown offender forced entry into the Nagi Chicken Shop on High St, Melton, but fled empty-handed when the shop’s alarm was activated.
The following day unknown offenders stole a motorcycle from Panamax Motors, Eucumene Drive, Ravenhall. Police believe the theft occurred between 2.55am and 3.15am.
The offenders were driving a white van that was used to transport the stolen motorbike. The van believed to have been used in this incident was later discovered dumped nearby and was reported stolen.
The motorcycle stolen by the offenders is a 2004 Yamaha YZ 250 valued at $3000. Police suspect there was more than one offender involved and would like to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident.
On Monday, 13 May, at around 1.10am an offender entered the Melton Sand and Soil Supplies premises on Reserve Rd and disabled the audible alarm. The offenders stole a number of shipping containers and power tools. They also managed to escape with a UHF radio.
In a separate incident, three male offenders forced entry into the Coles store at Woodgrove Shopping Centre on 16 May and stole $20,000 worth of cigarettes. Police believe the group is responsible for similar offences across Metropolitan Melbourne. It is believed the offenders were driving a Nissan X-Trail at the time of the offence.
Meanwhile at around 1.20am on Sunday, 12 May, unknown offenders set fire to the Norton Drive clubhouse of outlaw motorcycle gang Satan’s Soldiers. The building was empty and no-one was injured. Police believe two offenders were involved and anyone with information should contact Melton Crime Investigation Unit or Crimestoppers.
