Possible connection between break-ins

A third break-in was attempted at the Wangoom store early on Monday morning but police have not yet determined if there was a connection with the other two offences.

Detective Senior Constable Peter Wastell of Warrnambool police said the first break-in occurred at the Cobden IGA supermarket about midnight on Sunday.

He said two offenders forced open glass sliding doors at a rear entrance to the supermarket and removed a cash draw from a kiosk. The cash draw was empty but the offenders also stole a charity tin.

The Cobden IGA was also the victim of a ram raid in late September when a thief drove a stolen utility through a rear door. The man made several unsuccessful attempts to remove a cabinet containing cigarettes before fleeing.

Detective Senior Constable Wastell said a 2014-15 grey or dark colored Hilux utility with a rear roll bar and snorkel was seen near the Cobden IGA during Monday morning’s break-in.

He said a similar vehicle was seen later on Monday morning during a smash-and-grab robbery on Sacks the Jewellers in Liebig Street in Warrnambool.

Thieves stole gold rings with stones set in them and Pandora jewellery in the robbery that occurred about 4.15am.

Store owner Peter Hogg said the thieves smashed a front window, which was fitted with an alarm, and grabbed the jewellery before fleeing. 

The burglary was caught on security cameras and the footage is being examined by police.

Detective Senior Constable Wastell said the attempted break-in at the Wangoom store was believed to have occurred about 5am. 

The store’s front doors were damaged but no entry into the store was made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Warrnambool police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.