By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE manager of a Narre Warren manchester outlet, robbed four nights in a row, said she felt as if the store and its employees were being watched.
Located inside the Casey Lifestyle Centre, the Manchester Importer outlet was robbed overnight on 6,7,8 and 9 June. The thieves stole more than $9000 worth of quilts, blankets, sheets and pillows.
Early police assessment placed the estimated loss at $5000, but store manager Joanne Cameron said the figure was likely closer to $10,000.
The offenders managed to force open a reinforced roller door to get inside the shop on one occasion, while smashing the store’s front windows on another and damaging a fire escape door. They left behind a mess of upturned stock during the four-night blitz.
“It felt like we must have been watched, it makes you keep an eye out more,” Ms Cameron said.
“I was concerned for the staff; I wanted to make sure they were OK.”
Ms Cameron said the outlet had only just moved to this new site before the break-ins.
“They’re (the offenders) affecting people’s lives, leave us alone,” she said.
Detective Sergeant Geoff Rumble said he’d never seen anything like it in his nearly 30 years of policing.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard of a place to get hit four nights in a row, in my 26 years,” he said.
Det Sgt Rumble said the offenders would likely attempt to sell the stolen manchester at street markets.
Photos of similar products to those stolen have been released to the public in the hope they can be recognised.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
