After stealing a car from Bendigo, at least two thieves used it to ram-raid an Echuca music store and commit two more burglaries at a tyre business and Chinese takeaway store before dumping the vehicle and setting it alight.
Detective Sergeant Brendon Murphy of Echuca Criminal Investigation Unit said these types of crimes were a huge concern for police.
‘‘What’s clearly happening on the crime spree horizon is that criminals are becoming more desperate and using stolen vehicles to ram businesses,’’ he said.
‘‘They are travelling long distances to commit these crimes so the tyranny of distance is no problem for them.’’
Offenders stole a white 2011 Isuzu ute from Bendigo Tyrepower overnight on Tuesday.
Police believe the car was first used in a burglary at Echuca Beaurepaires early Thursday.
‘‘They forced entry and ransacked the office, damaged the safe and attempted to steal money but we don’t believe they got any,’’ Det. Sgt Murphy said.
Their next stop was Moama, where they ram-raided the side door of the Chinese takeaway in Meninya St.
Murray River Police District Inspector Paul Huggett said NSW Police were working closely with Victoria Police.
‘‘Forensic police have been in attendance and conducted a comprehensive canvass of the scene with several forensic samples being obtained for further investigation,’’ he said.
‘‘CCTV footage provided from Murray River Council is of excellent quality and is of absolute benefit to the investigation.’’
The ute was then used to smash through the front of the Sanity music store in Hare St just after 2am.
Store manager Nadine Taylor said she was woken about 3.30am with the news the store had been trashed.
‘‘It’s not a good way to wake up,’’ she said.
‘‘They took with the till which had a few hundred dollars in it.’’
Ms Taylor said it was the second time the store had been targeted by thieves this year, with an Echuca man behind bars after allegedly robbing the store on February 17.
The store was boarded up and remained closed for the day.
‘‘It’s pretty disappointing,’’ she said.
Det. Sgt Murphy said the vehicle was then driven to Bangerang Rd, dumped under Quirks Bridge and set alight.
Firefighters attended about 3.45am and put the fire out, but the ute was completely destroyed.
‘‘They have caused a large amount of damage and have been ruthless in that they destroyed the vehicle after finishing their crime spree,’’ Det. Sgt Murphy said.
‘‘We’re looking at the possibility that the vehicle and the offenders are involved in a number of other burglaries in the Bendigo area.’’
This is the fifth ram-raid attack in the region in eight months, with Moama Marketplace, Intersport Bennetts in Hare St, Tongala Bendigo Bank branch and Echuca Village Fire Station also hit.
‘‘These are the kinds of crimes prevalent in Melbourne and outer suburbs so to have an increase of them here is of concern,’’ Det. Sgt Murphy said.
He said he was hoping to view some CCTV footage from Beaurepaires and the takeaway store yesterday.
With no suspects, detectives are appealing for help from the public.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has information about the burglaries can contact Echuca police on 54831500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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