A string of crimes across the Prom Coast region over the past fortnight has left residents shaken, with ram raids and thefts reported at Sandy Point and Binginwarri, among several other incidents.
Bass Coast Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a ram raid at the Sandy Point General Store in the early hours of Sunday, March 2. Police said a Nissan Navara utility rammed the Beach Parade store about 1.35am. Cash, confectionery, mobile phones and tobacco products were stolen from the premises.
In a separate incident, detectives are also investigating the theft of a grey Isuzu utility from a Hunts Road property at Binginwarri. Police believe the vehicle was taken sometime between 8pm on February 28 and 9am on March 1. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Foster on March 2.
The owner of the stolen ute, Marilyn Heggie, said the vehicle had been driven into the Foster skate bowl.
“A mate who knew the car had been stolen spotted it early Monday morning and called us,” she said. “We rang Foster police directly and let them know and they met us there.”
Ms Heggie said the ute was left precariously positioned in the bowl.
“It was left half in and half out, resting on the undercarriage. It had to be dragged out by a tow truck and may have damage from going in and coming out,” she said.
She said the vehicle had also suffered other damage and was likely to be written off. “There’s a dent in the back panel and damage to the light assembly. They also left the windows open so the car copped about 20mm of rain inside.”
Ms Heggie said she may have unknowingly seen the suspected thief near the property before the vehicle was taken. “I actually saw him out the window … and thought he looked out of place,” she said.
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. David Barrett
