Society jeweller Kennedy hit by luxury thieves at Chadstone for second time in six months

Society jeweller Kennedy’s Chadstone boutique has been ransacked for the second time in six months in a break-in identical to theives’ $2 million December heist.

Owner of Kennedy Jewellery, James Kenned. Picture: Aaron Francis

Society jeweller Kennedy’s Chadstone boutique has been targeted by thieves for the second time in six months after being the victim of a $2 million heist in December, when around 30 watches including valuable timepieces by Rolex and Franck Muller were stolen.

Four masked offenders ransacked the luxury jewellery boutique, which specialises in prestige watches, around 4am on Saturday.

It is believed they gained entry to the Chadstone shopping centre complex in Malvern East through the loading bay area and made a beeline to the high-end retailer. The break-in was identical to the December incident and questions are being asked about security at the centre and how thieves were able to get into the complex using the same entry points as last year and navigate through the rear hallways undetected.

After forcing entry into the Kennedy boutique via its rear fire door, the four intruders smashed display cabinets and made off with a number of items, although no prestige or high-value watches were taken on this occasion as they are housed in safes when the store is closed following the December incident.

The Kennedy Boutique at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied

The offenders collided with a security car as they made their high-speed getaway in a white vehicle. The accident was not enough to stop the thieves’ car and they raced off.

The heist comes after watches valued at $2 million were stolen from the boutique in December when a masked man, dressed in black and wearing orange high-vis, broke into the shopping centre and burgled the luxury retailer.

Kennedy CEO, James Kennedy, said he was shocked that his boutique had been hit a second time within the Chadstone complex and under the same circumstances.

“We are still understanding what has gone on and police are investigating,” he said.

“We significantly improved our security and protocols following the incident in December. “Entry points to the store were reinforced and high-value items were all locked away in our safes.

“So in that regard, the thieves, while causing quite a bit of damage, weren’t able to make off with anywhere near the quantum of value of items this time.

“Above all else, no one was hurt and that’s the main thing and we expect to be open for business as usual by Monday.

“The incessant crime our city, our country, is experiencing is at unprecedented levels. I don’t

recall hearing, reading, or seeing so much criminality in Australia in my life.

“We are certainly, many of us, trying to navigate a new reality. If we can’t as people in society feel safe in our home, on our streets…that’s a very unfortunate state of affairs.”

Owner of Kennedy Jewellery, James Kennedy. Picture: The Australian

Victoria Police confirmed Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit detectives were looking for four people in relation to the burglary.

“It is understood four unknown offenders forced entry to a shopping centre on Dandenong Road just before 4am,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Investigators were told the offenders smashed display stands inside the centre before fleeing the scene in a white sedan with jewellery and watches.

“As the sedan was attempting to flee, centre security attempted to stop the sedan with their car and there was a minor collision.

“No one was injured during the incident.”

Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident, had CCTV or dashcam footage, or any other information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Chadstone has been contacted for comment.