Police search cars left in Kangaroo Flat bushland

One of the vehicles, a white Great Wall ute, was stolen from Golden Gully business Electrical Resource Providers on Sunday and was found by employees on Monday morning in bushland near Read Lane, Kangaroo Flat.

Senior Constable Ben Manning said police went to investigate about 9.30am on Monday and found three men and another two cars – a white Holden station wagon and a black Ford Focus – at the scene.

“We expected to see this car on its own,” he said.

When the men saw police, they fled in the station wagon, leaving behind the Ford Focus.

“Someone has jumped out of the Focus and they’ve been able to get into the white wagon and drive away,” Senior Constable Manning said.

The station wagon is believed to be the second vehicle stolen from Electrical Resource Providers and police are making inquiries as to the Ford’s involvement.

The vehicles are believed to be connected to three wanted men Aaron Burzacott, Jordan Smith and Jesse Ruff.

Burzacott and Smith have been on the run from police since June and Victoria Police issued an appeal for help from the public to locate Ruff on July 14.

A fourth wanted man was arrested and charged after an operation in North Bendigo on Friday.

Tools stolen from ERP were recovered from the Ford Focus before it was towed from the scene late Monday morning. The ute was driven from the bushland.

Police are also investigating whether the thefts are related to a second burglary at Golden Square business TCF Motorcycles and an attempted break-in at Kangaroo Flat.

Two motorcycles were stolen from the burglary in Breen Street, which happened sometime between lunchtime Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Employee Jason Pell discovered the break-in when he noticed the roller door half way up on Sunday. A fire extinguisher was also found propping open the side door.

Owner Troy Fullard said it was upsetting to find his business had been burgled.

“It’s a pretty sick feeling to think someone has broken in and has been walking around,” he said.

“The biggest concern is they’re coming back.”

Extra security has been installed on Monday, with security cameras and lights now fitted.

The two bikes stolen were a Honda CRF 250 X and a Honda CRF 450, both at the business to be repaired.

​An estimated $10,000 worth of property has been stolen, with the two dirt bikes amounting to $8000.

Mr Fullard said he was fortunate to have very understanding customers and was humbled by the response he had received since the news was posted to social media.

“We pride ourselves on our customer service and doing a good job,” he said.

Police are continuing to search for the white Holden station wagon.

​Anyone who sees any of the men, or who has information on their whereabouts or the burglaries, is urged to contact Bendigo police on 5448 1300, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au