By Gemma Grant
A dramatic ram raid has taken place at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s east, leading to significant damage to businesses and a stolen safe.
A large white SUV reversed into the entrance of the Forest Hill Chase shopping centre on Canterbury Road in Forest Hill about 5am on Saturday.
Footage released by Victoria Police on Saturday afternoon shows the vehicle driving through glass entry doors to the centre before ramming into stores and crashing into various objects.
Two people dressed in black are seen collecting scattered items from the floor and placing them into the boot of the car. Police allege that these items included a safe.
Shortly after, the car is shown driving out of the same door through which it entered. Police have been unable to locate those involved.
The incident is thought to have caused damage to at least seven businesses.
Storefronts were severely damaged during the incident.
Two shops, Crown Currency and Flight Centre, had their entire storefronts ripped off during the incident. Neither of them were able to open on Saturday.
Barricades set up following the incident also meant that nearby businesses lost important morning trading hours.
Staff at Gloria Jean’s arrived at the centre at 6.30am on Saturday to open their store as usual, but were instructed to return home.
They received a call from security later in the day, and were able to take customers from around 11.30am.
Steve Gillanders, owner of Eonni clothing store on the centre’s second level, was surprised to see sections of the centre barricaded when he got to work on Saturday.
He said that business owners were yet to hear anything official from management.
“Nothing’s been sent out. You just knew something had happened. There was centre management standing nearby, but they didn’t want too much known about it,” Gillanders said.
“This is something new ... no one’s driven a vehicle into our centre and ram raided ... it’s very unusual.”
He said that the centre is generally quiet, and considered a “retirement area”.
A statement from Forest Hill Chase confirmed that no staff or customers were injured.
“The security team responded immediately, and the police were called,” said Ingrid Vanin, centre manager.
“We are currently assisting police with their investigation. The centre is open and trading.”
Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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