SEVERAL business owners around Wellington Shire are reeling after a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the early hours of Sunday morning.
As of Monday morning, the offender, who police believe worked alone, was yet to be apprehended.
The offender’s final target of the night, Stratford BP, was reportedly broken into about 2.15am, where police report property was stolen.
Earlier in the night, the offender forced entry into the BP service station in Wurruk, but nothing was reported stolen.
Police say the offender also attempted to gain access to the Uniting service station opposite the Sion convent and Jeremy Fleming Jewellers, Sale, by smashing the front doors, but was unsuccessful.
Later in the night, the offender’s vehicle, a Holden Commodore which was recorded on CCTV at multiple locations, was then sighted in the Latrobe Valley.
About 5am, police deployed stop sticks on the Princes Highway near Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, which stopped the vehicle, but the offender escaped on foot.
The car has been seized, and is being forensically tested, as police continue their investigations.
People with information about the offender’s whereabouts should phone Wellington Criminal Investigation Unit on 5142 2200, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
