UPDATE 10.15AM: THE Vision Australia charity store on Wills Street was one of the businesses burgled last night, with about $1000 stolen from the premises.
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Vision Australia Bendigo manager Ruth O'Connell said she wasdisappointed thieves would be "stoop so low" to target a charity.
She said the thief or thieves broke the locks on the shop door and stole about $1000 worth of cash, which was hidden on the premises.
"It's very disappointing - volunteers treasure the place," she said.
"They're very upset to think this has happened.
"I'm really disappointed people can do this - to stoop so low that they would target a charity."
Doug Lougoon, owner of the real estate agency just a few doors down from Vision Australia, which was also burgled, said the burglary was "just another bump".
"This is the third time in 13 years that we have been broken into," he said.
"The perpetrators are stupid if they think we keep money on the premises.
"The disappointing thing is the damage caused.
"It's a damn nuisance."
Mr Lougoon said the thief or thieves entered by unhinging the backdoor of his business, which caused significant damage to the door.
He said the back part of the business was built in 1896.
He said no possessions were taken.
EARLIER: FOUR businesses were burgled last night and police believe they are linked.
Detective Scott Tuddenham said two real estate agencies in Wills Street were broken into, with electrical items stolen, as well as a business in Wills Street and Hudsons Coffee on Hargreaves Street.
Detective Tuddenham said all businesses were broken into by forced entry through the door.
He said it was not known if anything was taken from Hudsons Coffee or the business in Wills Street.
In a separate incident, which police do not believed is linked, two residences were broken into in Wilkie Street, East Bendigo, two nights ago.
Detective Tuddenham said cash was taken from both premises.
More to come.
