Smokes targeted in theft spree

POLICE are hunting thieves who broke into stores in Narre Warren South, Lynbrook and Berwick within hours last Sunday morning.
Two newsagencies and a supermarket were raided with cigarettes a target on each occasion.
Police believe all three crimes were committed by the same group, which used the same stolen car during each raid.
A Lynbrook newsagency was the first hit. The business, in the Lynbrook Village shopping complex, was burgled shortly after 12am.
Security footage captured four thieves as they got out of a dark coloured sedan then proceeded to kick in the front window of the shop.
The men then entered the store and stole several cartons of cigarettes.
A short time later the Foodworks Supermarket in Narre Warren South was also broken into.
The thieves used the same vehicle and method of entry to break their way into the Ormond Road business.
About $200 and cigarettes were stolen.
A Parkhill Plaza newsagency was the third store to be raided.
Police said the four offenders forced their way through the front door of the shop sometime between 2.40am and 3.10am.
About $400 in coin was stolen from the store’s cash register. An unsuccessful attempt was also made to break into a cigarette cabinet.
Police said a fourth store in Rowville was also broken into by the same group.
They said the car, which was stolen from the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre car park, was recovered on Monday in Endeavour Hills.
Anyone with any information about any of the crimes is asked to contact Cranbourne Police on 5991 0600.
– Callan Date