Five retailers suffered property damage and theft on Sunday 4 May costing traders thousands of dollars.
Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a series of burglaries at Gap Rd retailers Ethnic Spice Shop, White Horns Butcher, The Hidden Florist, Mutts Cutts and Beauty at JNM.
The owner of The Hidden Florist posted about the break-in on social media stating: “Like several other shops along our Gap Road strip, we arrived to find our store had been ransacked.
“During the break-in, the intruders stole our van keys from inside the shop and later took off with Maddy the Caddy, our beloved delivery van. Thankfully, she was found and recovered by police not long after—shaken but seemingly untouched.
“Compared to some of our neighbours, we were slightly more fortunate. There’s been some property damage – but our hearts are heavy for the businesses around us who copped the brunt of the destruction.
“The police and Crime Scene Investigation team have done their part, and now we begin the long process with insurance.
“We are so incredibly grateful to our neighbouring shops, our Hidden Florist team, and our amazing family and friends who jumped straight into action – helping us clean, make calls, and keep the doors open today.
“And yes – we have everything on camera bro. We’re open, we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Crime investigators are working to determine the value of any items stolen, and the investigation remains ongoing.
It is claimed traders are out of pocket to the tune of $15,000 each as a result of the burglaries.
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
9 News report here.
