Thieves target The Scent Lab in South Geelong after spate of attempted break-ins

A popular small business in South Geelong has been the target of a spate of attempted break-ins.

The Scent Lab in South Geelong has been the target of a series of attempted break-ins in recent months.

A South Geelong business has been the target of a spate of attempted break-ins in recent months.

Adam Kerrins, owner of The Scent Lab and The Sweet Lab on Little Fyans St, said the attempted break-ins were making it “more difficult” for businesses like his own to stay afloat during the cost of living crisis.

“It’s something that is becoming more prominent,” he said.

“I’ve owned the business for five years … and we’ve never had any issues.”

CCTV footage from outside the shops shows a vehicle arriving at the premises on January 16 about 9.30pm.

“They open the door, turn the headlights off and as soon as the light comes on, they close their door … they don’t get out, they just drive off,” Mr Kerrins said.

“For me, that is very suspicious, they were obviously going to do something they shouldn’t be doing.”

Adam Kerrins owns The Scent Lab and The Sweet Lab. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr Kerrins believes it could have been an attempted break-in, or that the driver was trying to dump rubbish into his bins.

“Either isn’t okay,” he said.

Another incident occurred on October 15 last year about 11.30pm when thieves broke the business’ windows in an attempt to gain entry.

Mr Kerrins believes the thieves were trying to steal cash.

Damage from the attempted break-in on October 15.

“They broke in and realised the register was empty and left,” he said.

“They went to the gym next door, which has cameras, opened their doors and took cash from their business.”

On March 17 last year, a third incident occurred where thieves targeted both Mr Kerrins’ warehouses by smashing the windows.

“There is nothing in here worth stealing expect the idea of cash,” Mr Kerrins said.

“Who wants to steal a couple of candles or bath bombs?”

Damage from the attempted robbery on March 17.

Mr Kerrins said the attempted robberies leave his business with clean up and insurance bills.

“It’s tough for small businesses at the moment, let alone copping a $1000 clean up bill,” he said.

Mr Kerrins believes the incidents were targeted.

The attempts have been reported to police.

“You don’t come wandering around this area, it is an industrial area,” he said.

“People see our register and tip jar and they think it will be a quick cash grab if they break the window and get in and out.

“Nothing makes me more mad than thieves … our entire team works had for what we have and then someone just wants to come in a take it.”

Originally published as Thieves target The Scent Lab in South Geelong after spate of attempted break-ins