Burnside Hub latest target in ram-raid as alleged offenders attempt to smash through with skip bin loader

A Burnside shopping centre in Melbourne’s west has been the latest ram-raid target after a skip-bin truck was rammed through the doors as shoppers worry for ‘community safety’.

A shopping centre in Melbourne’s west has been the latest ram-raid target as alleged offenders attempt to smash through glass doors using a bin truck.

A skip bin loader truck was rammed into the front doors of the Burnside Hub on Westwood Dr in the early hours of Monday morning on December 9, 2024.

Crews have begun the clean up to remove the truck from the shopping centre entrance. Picture: Himangi Singh

Crews have begun work to remove the truck from the shopping centre entrance, after it became stuck over theft prevention bollards.

Police say the alleged offenders fled empty-handed shortly after 4.15am, in a blue SUV.

The SUV had no registration plates and was last seen on Robinsons Rd.

A 28-year-old shopping centre worker said he was very concerned about the community’s safety after the ram raid.

This ATM was the target of the Burnside Hub attempted ram raid on Monday. Picture: Himangi Singh.

“I arrived here at 6am and police were saying they were trying to steal the ATM,” he said.

“This is the first time I am witnessing something like this — it’s scary.”

The man said the mall was usually a “great place to shop” but now was “double minded” about returning.

“You never know what could happen, especially with the increase in crime nowadays — with weapons and everything feels like a movie,” he said.

“I just think everybody should be extra safe and look after yourself, especially family and at malls.”

The skip bin loader truck became stuck over theft prevention bollards at the front of the centre on Monday morning. Picture: Facebook

The Herald Sun understands centre staff had installed new bollards worth $40,000 in an attempt to stop ram raiders

Another regular shopper told the Herald Sun the incident made her wonder “what kind of life” the offenders had.

“You come into the shopping centre thinking it’s a regular day but then you see this,” she said.

“It’s really unfortunate this has happened, especially after they put $40,000 worth of bollards to stop these attacks.”

Detectives have been seen bagging evidence from the bin truck after driving the vehicle out of the glass entrance.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators have urged anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage or information about the incident to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an anonymous online report here.

More to come.