E-scooter thieves target Breakwater business
The owner of a Breakwater retailer says his alarm over security issues after a theft at his building was ignored, before the unthinkable happened.
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About $80,000 worth of e-scooters have been stolen from a Breakwater business repeatedly targeted by thieves.
iScoot eScooter Specialists Geelong owner Adam Coghill says his Dyson Court retail store is only five months old, but has been hit by burglars on two separate occasions with the latest robbery taking place last Thursday.
He said the alleged thieves smashed the front window to gain entry to the property almost 12 weeks ago, stealing 10 e-scooters valued at about $20,000.
The broken window was allegedly again used last week by thieves as they stole 20 e-scooters worth about $60,000.
The business claims it had been left exposed to thieves as property agents and owners delayed repairs.
“The first time it happened my real estate agency said the landlord’s building insurance would cover the damaged window, but basically we have had it boarded up ever since and I have been chasing and chasing but have got nowhere,” Mr Coghill said.
“The second time, (the alleged thieves) just pulled the boards off and walked through.”
The Addy attempted to obtain comment from the agency.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Pucar confirmed about half of the stolen e-scooters had been recovered from the second incident, with two alleged offenders now facing prosecution.
A 48-year-old Geelong man has been charged with burglary as well as a raft of other unrelated offences and has been remanded in custody.
A second male aged 28 was also charged with burglary, as well as dealing proceeds of crime and resisting arrest.
He has been bailed to appear before the Geelong Magistrates Court on December 20.
Police are now working with the business to harden security measures.
However with the commercial property set to change owners this week, Mr Coghill said he doubted repairs would be completed before the exchange.
He said the security measures at the gated business park had long caused concern and has attracted suspicious behaviour in the past.
“There (are) about 70 units in the industrial park, and everyone here is freaking out about the security situation,” he said.
“We have seen some footage of people on another occasion wearing balaclavas, looking through windows with torches.
“I know you can never fully stop thieves, but we want to make it harder for them.”
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