Two arrested after alleged burglary of Portarlington bottle shop

A fog machine and road spikes were used in a bid to catch a group of men who allegedly stole booze and cigarettes from a Portarlington store.

A bottle shop was allegedly robbed in Portarlington Friday morning.

A Portarlington bottle shop owner said at least $25,000 of stock was damaged during an alleged break in on Friday morning.

A fog machine, the police air wing and road spikes were used in a bid to catch a group of men who allegedly stole booze and cigarettes from the store.

Store manager Darren Hellmann said a delayed sensor on the fog machine meant the group wasn’t covered in fog the second they walked through the door.

“We’re investigating that at the moment,” he said.

“Normally, you wouldn’t be able to see a thing within 30 seconds.”

It’s alleged four men used a crowbar to smash the glass door of a bottle shop on Newcombe Street shortly before 1am Friday.

Once inside, they allegedly stole a large amount of alcohol and cigarettes.

The store owner became aware of the alleged burglary and activated a fog machine, causing the alleged thieves to flee in a stolen car.

17-02-2023 Portarlington Celebrations manager Darren Hellmann supplied CCTV images of the damage after the break in. Picture: Brad Fleet

The police air wing was called in and tracked the Ford Falcon as it reached alleged speeds of up to 200km/h.

Mr Hellmann said the entire ordeal cost the store between $25-$30k worth of stock.

“I’m frustrated,” he said.

“I just don’t understand why people need to steal stuff.”

Road spikes were used on Torquay Road in Grovedale, successfully puncturing all four tyres.

Detectives initiated a short pursuit and the vehicle was allegedly dumped in parkland near Winter Street in Belmont.

A glass door and roller doors were replaced on Friday morning, and the shop resumed trading on the same day.

Police chased and arrested two men, a 30-year-old from Thomson and 36-year-old from Portland.

Both men have been charged with burglary, theft and dangerous driving while being pursued by police. They are expected to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court later on Friday,

A search was conducted of the area however two other men remain outstanding as of Friday morning.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Two arrested after alleged burglary of Portarlington bottle shop