Dodgem cars meant for new Ballarat entertainment precinct stolen from Point Cook arcade

Unused dodgem cars, set for a new home in Ballarat, have been stolen with thieves causing $15,000 in damage.

Two dodgem cars have been stolen from a closing Point Cook bowling arcade, with a $15,000 virtual reality console also damaged. Pictures: Supplied.

Two dodgem cars have been stolen from a closing Point Cook bowling arcade, with a $15,000 virtual reality console also damaged.

The dodgem cars and several virtual reality game headsets were taken from Oz Tenpin in Point Cook on New Year’s Eve, one week after the centre had permanently shut.

The two thieves were captured on CCTV footage arriving on pushbikes at 6.30am on New Year’s Eve, before returning minutes later with two vehicles and a trailer.

Oz Tenpin general manager Graeme Cox said he became suspicious the day before the thefts, after finding the gate at the facility left ajar.

Despite adding an extra chain, he was unable to stop the break-in the next day.

One man enters the arcade where the dodgem cars were stolen from. Pictures: Supplied.

He said the situation was “terrible” considering the centre’s permanent closure a week before.

“It’s awful for the staff and owners because no one wants to close, especially on Xmas eve and to have this happen seven days later where people are stealing things is a real blow committed by some low lives,” he said.

Another man arrives by bike. Pictures: Supplied.

The equipment was left inside a secure garage over Christmas to be moved to a new facility opening in Ballarat later this year.

A six-person VR console valued at $15,000 was also damaged, with all the dodgem car batteries also taken.

The dodgem cars cost more than $3000 each.

One of the thieves also dropped their mobile phone at the scene, which has been handed to police.

“Investigators were told unknown offenders cut the chains from the main gate and stolen two dodgem cars and other electronic items,” a police spokesman said.

“An investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online here.