Hooded thieves in Hallam raid

By Rebecca Fraser
FOUR balaclava-clad thieves have targeted a Hallam business in what police have called a “very professional” operation.
More than $200,000 worth of stereos, amplifiers, computers and DVD players were stolen from Alphine Electronics after thieves disconnected the alarm at the Princes Highway business in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, 15 January.
A green Holden Commodore Senator valued at $30,000 was also stolen from inside the factory.
Detective Sergeant Garry Kear of Narre Warren CIU said the alarm first went off just after midnight, but when security arrived the site appeared secure and no one could be found.
He said the thieves then returned in a stolen white van and forced open a rear door and cut a lock on a back fence, gaining entry about 1.05am.
The four men were captured on security footage and were wearing dark clothes, gloves and balaclavas at the time.
Det Sgt Kear said the thieves had stolen the white van from G and K Fine Foods in nearby Abbotts Road and said both vehicles had been loaded with the goods inside the factory.
Both vehicles were later recovered on Monday, 16 January in Campbell Street, Campbellfield, and Det Sgt Kear said the thieves knew exactly what they were after.
“This was a very professional outfit and they were very organised in their approach,” he said.
He also urged anyone who may have seen the G and K Fine Foods van or the green Senator during this time to contact police.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Senior Constable Peter Lockman of Narre Warren CIU on 9705-3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.