Chicken cash for burglars

By Lia Bichel
CHICKEN Shops in Berwick were the target of two burglaries last week, which police believe are not connected.
The first burglary occurred at Eden Rise Shopping Centre chicken shop in O’Shea Road about 10.20pm on 11 January.
Police said the door to the shop was jemmied open, but the people fled the premises when the alarm went off about three seconds later.
One man was described as a Caucasian, about 170 to 180cm tall, medium build and was wearing a blue beanie, yellow fluorescent shirt and tan cargo pants.
The other man was about 180cm to 190 cm tall, thin and was wearing a dark hoodie and trackies and runners.
A second chicken shop in Parkhill Drive was targeted about 2.20pm on 13 January. Police said a man entered the back of the shop and spoke with the owners, then returned to the shop and stole $2500 cash which was on the bench.
He is described as being middled aged with olive skin and dark hair.
Senior Constable Lauren Swan said the two burglaries did not appear to be linked, but said chicken shops were often an easy target for thefts.
“Many workers tend to keep the back door of the shop open,” Sen Con Swan said.
“I would recommend business owners get a security door which can be locked but still keep the shop ventilated. I also recommend they get surveillance cameras because they work as good deterrents.”
Anyone with information about these thefts are asked to call Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.