Thieves targeted the Simpson Bowls Club in Fisher Street and the Murray Goulburn Trading Store on the Cobden-Lavers Hill Road.

Cobden police Leading Senior Constable Andy Prisco said cash was stolen from the bowls club and a small amount of cash and cigarettes were stolen from the Murray Goulburn store.

He said the Murray Goulburn theft occurred just before midnight with the store owner alerted by a store alarm which scared the thieves off. It is believed the bowls club was targeted prior to Murray Goulburn. 

Leading Senior Constable Prisco said investigations were ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact Warrnambool police on 5560 1333.