Stores hit by ram raiders

By Callan Date
POLICE are hunting two men who used a stolen utility to ram raid two Repco stores in Doveton and Narre Warren on Monday morning.
The thieves smashed through the front doors of the Narre Warren automotive shop about 3.10am and stole more than $10,000 of stock.
Stereo sub-woofer kits, auto metre gauges and other car accessories were taken during the raid on the Victor Court shop.
Police said the men, aged in the early 20s, stole the white 1990 Ford F150 from outside Pakenham Mitre 10 between 5pm on 22 April and 2.30am the following day.
They first tried to ram raid the Doveton store about 3am but were thwarted by roller door shutters.
The determined thieves then drove to the Narre Warren store and reversed the utility up a gutter and into the shop. The men then loaded the utility with the stolen products and drove off.
Store manager Kevin Holmes said it appeared the thieves had targeted specific items.
“I think they were after the auto meters and have just grabbed some other things on the way out,” Mr Holmes said.
He said the shop was closed for most of Monday while they cleaned up shattered glass and installed temporary window shutters.
“We are getting quotes for several security upgrades at the moment,” he said.
Mr Holmes said it was the first incident of any type since the store opened in June 2005.
Police are yet to recover the utility and are appealing for public assistance to help track down the men involved.
Narre Warren CIU Senior Constable Dean Marchant said police were keen to speak to anyone who might have seen the utility being driven along the Princes Highway or outside the Repco stores in the early hours of Monday morning.
Sen Const Marchant said police would also be reviewing video surveillance footage from both crimes as part of their investigation.
Police said one of the men was wearing a dark hooded top with white writing on the sleeve, faded denim jeans with dark rear pockets while the other also wore a dark hooded top, with dark pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Narre Warren Police on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.