POLICE suspect the same culprit or group of culprits were responsible for six vehicle break-ins in Bendigo overnight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police received reports of cars with their windows smashed in the car park at the Rosalind Park poppethead, along Marong Road and in the Victoria Hill car park.
Items such as GPS systems, cash and other electronic devices were stolen.
On each occasion, it appears an item was used to lever the windows out before they were shattered.
One victim left her car across the road from the Goldmines Hotel on Marong Road overnight, only to find the window smashed when she returned this morning.
She said the possibility of a break-in did not cross her mind.
“They’ve taken a GPS system. There’s just glass everywhere,” she said.
Just 50 metres away, the Bobcat of Bendigo outlet was also broken into but police are yet to determine whether the crimes are connected.
Sergeant Greg Gentry said the thieves had targeted cars with visible items inside.
“Usually you find opportunistic thieves break into cars that are unlocked, but on this occasion the windows have been extensively damaged to gain entry,” he said.
“It seems like its the same crew responsible for each break-in.
“We remind people to avoid leaving valuable items visible in their cars.”
Police are also investigating the theft of a vehicle in Bendigo which was later found burnt out overnight.
Another car was targeted in an attempted break-in, and a third car had a puncture in its fuel tank.
Anyone with information about these crimes in urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.