Lara mechanic Always There Automotive fed up with spate of crimes

A Lara mechanic has spoken out after his business was hit four times in a month by thieves and vandals, with one woman brazenly stealing the company till.

A Geelong mechanic has been left furious after his business was targeted four times in a month by cunning thieves and vandals, with one woman taking off with the company till.

Footage captured on Tuesday night shows the offender sneak into the reception area of Always There Automotive and allegedly flee with an estimated $900 in cash.

It is the latest in a spate of criminal offending against the Mill Rd business, which includes thousands of dollars worth of damage to cars and property stored in its yard.

Workshop manager Brayden Bottrel and office manager Jo Warner at the Lara mechanics that has been a target of thieves. Picture: Alison Wyndl

Workshop manager, Brayden Bottrell, says police are being called daily to the suburb, about 16km from the Geelong CBD.

“It’s pretty bad at the moment,” he said

“Our yard has been targeted a heap of times.

“They have got in and smashed about 15 car windows, tried to steal a couple of cars by hammering keys into ignitions.

“There has been a lot of damage.”

Geelong police are investigating the incidents, believed to have occurred across three different nights in May.

On one occasion, offenders took advantage of a power outage to break into the property.

It’s understood the offenders may be using the nearby Lara train station.

“They might be coming down from Melbourne,” Mr Bottrell said.

“There are other businesses being targeted and they just jump off the train.

“The station is right here.”

Mr Bottrell says he has beefed up security. Picture: Alison Wyndl

CCTV of the brazen alleged theft on June 3 has been provided to police.

The video shows her walking through the workshop to get to the reception as a vehicle waits at the front.

“It was crazy, she just walked in and helped herself to the till and walked off,” Mr Bottrell said.

“We were all still here and finishing up in the back and she just snuck in.

“She set off the door buzzer when she left, luckily we had just done the banking that morning.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed the investigation into the burglary.

“It is believed an offender entered the premises through the open front roller door,” she said.

Security patrols have been beefed up at the site.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Originally published as Lara mechanic Always There Automotive fed up with spate of crimes