South Yarra and Prahran venues targeted in latest keg smashing attacks
A man wearing a red hoodie has terrorised four Melbourne venues with a beer keg, just days after similar CBD attacks left businesses reeling.
More restaurants have been hit by a keg-wielding man in an overnight vandalism spree, just days after a string of CBD restaurants were damaged.
South Yarra’s The Osborne Rooftop and Bar and Prahran French restaurant Entrecote are among the latest casualties, along with The Prahran Hotel and Pet Barn, which were struck about 4am on Monday morning.
CCTV seen by the Herald Sun shows a man use a keg to smash into both Entrecote and The Osborne.
Entrecote owner Jason Jones said while the man didn’t steal anything from his venue, he said incidents like this were “heartbreaking” for small businesses owners.
“It’s terrible that people stoop this low just to cause damage,” Mr Jones said.
“Our insurances are so high we don’t even claim these sorts of incidents because it just pushes our premiums up even further —it’s heartbreaking.”
The Osborne owner Simon Lennox said the man smashed into a side door of the pub about 4.20am and stole four bottles of beer before leaving.
“I had six police cars here last night, I’m a father and had to get out of bed at 4.30am, and as a business owner had to go to my business in the middle of the night,” he said.
“There were about 20 police there and then we have the crime investigation unit down, an extra five police.
“So over 20 police came down for a crime that’ll cost us $1500, it’s just relentless.”
Mr Lennox agreed this incident wasn’t worth claiming through insurance.
“You can’t put through insurance, and that’s what hurts. It’s not an expense for business and you can’t write it off.”
The Osborne was broken into five times last year, but Mr Lennox said it was something pubs had to wear.
The incident comes days after four prominent CBD restaurants were damaged by a man with a keg.
Daughter-in-law, Longrain, Punch Lane wine bar and Circl Wine House were all struck in Friday’s attack.
A 27-year-old Brunswick West man was arrested on Friday over the previous break-ins.
“Officers arrived on scene and located the man, safely taking him into custody around 5.50am,” Victoria Police said.
Police allege the man stole four iPads, a laptop among food items.
He has been charged with three counts of burglary, four counts of criminal damage and attempted burglary.
A Victoria Police spokesman said the Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit was investigating the burglaries.
“It is believed the male offender smashed his way into multiple restaurants and businesses along Greville Street, High Street and Commercial Road,” the spokesman said.
“It is believed electronic devices and food items were stolen during the burglaries.”
Detectives are investigating whether this incident is linked to the burglaries on Little Bourke St on 14 November.
Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
They’ve dropped! VCE 2025 results revealed as students receive ATARs
