Thieves swarming alcohol shops in Cardinia, Casey
Young thugs are targeting liquor stores in Melbourne’s outer southeast, with one hit at least three times a week, as workers say they are “too scared” to do anything as the thieves grab alcohol and flee.
South East
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Gangs of young thugs are swarming southeast bottle shops to steal alcohol while terrified workers look on helpless to stop them.
In the latest snatch and grab attack, a Pakenham man, who asked not to be identified, watched as a trio of teens stormed the Main St store, scooped up armfuls of booze, and made a run for it about 2pm last Saturday.
“Three young Sudanese guys walked in and the lady at the register asked them for ID – they didn’t respond and kept grabbing all this alcohol from the shelves,” he said.
A Pakenham bottle shop worker – too frightened to give her name, fearing her own safety – said her shop had been targeted “frequently” in recent weeks.
“We can’t do anything to stop them – I’m too scared,” she said.
“It can be quite confronting and we hope there are more police and security patrols in the area.”
A Doveton worker, who also asked not to be named, said her shop was being swarmed and robbed up to three times a week.
“It’s just not right they keep getting away with it – that’s the problem,” she said.
“There’s nothing we can do – the cops will just ask for footage and that’s all that will happen.”
Cardinia Acting Inspector Ivan Petrunic said police were aware of the “recent increase” in liquor thefts in the area.
“We want the community to know that police take this type of offending seriously and we are committed to arresting and holding these offenders to account,” Acting Insp Petrunic said.
“Plain clothes and uniform police officers are conducting regular proactive patrols at retail outlets in Cardinia. Police also continue to review CCTV relating to incidents of alcohol theft and are working hard to identify those responsible.”
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Acting Insp Petrunic said local police were specifically targeting retail thefts through a new operation.
He said a boy, 16, arrested on January 13 and charged in relation to nine alleged alcohol thefts under Operation Sparrow would face a children’s court at a later date.
“We want to reassure everyone that Victoria Police’s priority is making sure people are safe and feel safe in the Cardinia area,” he said.