Police investigate crime wave in Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island

Opportunistic thieves are targeting towns across the Bass Coast, stealing cars and property as police desperately appeal for information. See the hot spots.

A crime wave has hit the Bass Coast with reports of stolen belongings and vehicles across Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island.

A number of cars and property has been stolen from across the three towns as police desperately appeal for information.

A Land Cruiser was stolen from Inverloch and was later found after being involved in a collision in Sale on January 5.

Sergeant Adrian Condron from Inverloch police said the offenders were witnessed fleeing the scene of the crash which left the vehicle with irreparable damage.

“The car and trailer were parked in the driveway at the Inverloch property,” he said.

“The keys were taken from the premises and the car was later found in Sale.”

No charges have been made.

A dual-cab ute was also taken from another Inverloch address.

The ute has not been found but the investigation is ongoing.

A member posted in a Facebook Inverloch community page saying his car was broken into and had multiple items taken including a 67L fridge, a battery box and Kathmandu jackets.

Similar reports have been made on a Phillip Island community page of two cars being broken into in Cowes.

It comes after a string of burglaries in Wonthaggi in recent weeks.

Two cars were broken into on Storey Street and the offenders got away with one of the cars after ransacking the other.

The stolen vehicle was later found with damage to the driver’s side of the sedan including a smashed window.

A shed was broken into and a 7m x 5m metre tandem trailer, valued at $3000, was taken from a property on John Street.

In Wonthaggi, a man also allegedly punched two glass panels, causing them to crack in the retail store Totally Workwear.

A 48-year-old man was later found in the CBD by police and arrested and charged with criminal damage.

Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.