Police are seeking information on brazen burglaries targeting Foster’s Cellarbrations, after it was targeted by thieves twice in less than a week, with burglars making off with $35,000 worth of alcohol, cigarettes and cash in two lightning-fast raids.
The Bass Coast Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the separate break-ins, which occurred overnight on August 24 and August 28. In both instances, at least three disguised suspects forced their way through the front door using a crowbar and were “in and out in three minutes,” according to owner Dale McLauchlan.
But despite the shock and clean up costs (staff mopped up over 15 times to clear up tiny glass shards scattered over the store), Dale said the support he’s received from the police, his customers and local people popping in to see how they could help has been incredible.
“The support from the community has been fantastic,” he said.
The thieves appeared to have done their homework, targeting cigarettes worth approximately $20,000, along with cash and top-shelf alcohol from the premises.
“It was the same offenders both times,” Dale said. “They knew exactly what they wanted and where to find it.”
Despite the shop’s security cameras capturing the incidents, the equipment provided limited useful footage. However, other CCTV cameras along Foster’s main street have confirmed it was the same group responsible for both break-ins.
Police believe the offenders used a stolen vehicle, which Dale says they expect to find burnt out in the Valley. Wonthaggi detectives have since recovered some stock suspected to have come from the Foster store, but it is not known where this was located.
The speedy police response impressed the shop owner, with officers arriving at the scene before him during the first incident.
“The police response was very swift – they were there before me the first time,” Dale said.
While the business does carry insurance, it doesn’t completely cover the losses. However, Dale remains positive about moving forward.
“I’m feeling better and getting on with things,” he said. “The shop is almost completely restocked.”
Bass Coast CIU are urging anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from the Foster area on August 24 or 28, to contact them on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
