Black Hill Hotel broken into for second time in four months

A Ballarat pub owner says hospitality venues are “doing it tough” as he grapples with the second break-in in twice as many months.

Ballarat's Black Hill Hotel was broken into for the second time in four months on September 29, 2024. Picture: Facebook

A Ballarat publican has been left frustrated after his hotel was broken into for the second time in four months, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Three burglars broke into the Black Hill Hotel on Peel St North just after 11.30pm on Sunday, breaking windows and grabbing alcohol before being chased off.

It comes after a similar incident in May.

“Businesses, especially hospitality, are doing it tough enough as it is at the moment,” the hotel wrote online.

“Then you throw in the costs associated with a break in.

Damage to a door at the hotel. Picture: Facebook

“ … This is on top of the already increasing costs of electricity, gas, water, alcohol prices, rent, licenses & registrations.

“The list goes on!”

The Black Hill Hotel is owned by Kyle Ponder and Chelsea Richards.

Mr Ponder said the break-in had caused at least $1500 in damages, a burden for a small business.

“Hospitality’s not the easiest business at the moment, that’s for sure,” he said.

Police are investigating the burglary and urged anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.