A PROMINENT Millicent business is the latest victim in a spate of thefts which have swept the South East in recent weeks.
After two unsuccessful break-ins in the past two years, Millicent Industrial Services proprietor Geoff Thompson was dismayed to find the front window of his Davenport Street business smashed on Tuesday morning.
Upon further investigation, Mr Thompson discovered over $1500 worth of goods had been stolen, including two lights, a cut-saw and a 12-volt air compressor.
As a business owner of over 20 years, Mr Thompson said his shop had been the victim of many break-ins and expressed his disappointment and frustration over the incident.
“In the last 18 months I have had two attempted break-ins via the roller door out the back and I have also had a smashed window,” he said.
“These people need to grow-up, get a job and be responsible.”
Mr Thompson located a metal bar near the scene and believes it was used to smash the shop front and break into the store.
The damages and losses from the shop window and the stolen goods combined is estimated to be over $3000.
A nearby resident said it was just before midnight on Monday when they heard a loud, continuing banging noise on the street.
“It sounded like someone banging a crow bar.
“The noise continued for around a minute and then shortly after I heard a vehicle drive off.
“It was not a noise I had heard before.
“It was very unusual and very loud at that time of that night.”
The resident added in hindsight they should have called police.
“The noise was not sustained and it stopped not long after I heard it,” they said.
“It did cross my mind that it could have been a break in, but I really did not know what it was.”
Millicent Police told The South Eastern Times enquiries into the investigation were ongoing, with security footage from the area collected.
The break-in follows the recent armed robbery at a Millicent service station, a break-in at a Tantanoola home, the stolen car from Mount Gambier located in Millicent and the motorbike thefts from Millicent, Penola and Port MacDonnell.
Anyone with information about any of the recent thefts is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
