By Tyler Wright
Emerald Village Newsagency was hit by an early morning burglary on Sunday 29 October, with thieves breaking down the store’s front door.
Store manager Peter Maloney came across the scene at around 3.45am and called triple 0.
“They put me through to the police in Pakenham and within 20 minutes the police were here,” Mr Maloney said.
Mr Maloney said the thieves took a float of cash at the store and all the scratchies inside.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Maloney said.
“I don’t expect these kinds of things to be confronted with at 3.45 in the morning.
“One of the local builders did a great job putting a new door in, and now I’ve got to replace the whole door of the shop, which is totally wrecked.”
Mr Maloney said the newsagency was back in business “straight away” after the police allowed the door to be taken down at 7am.
“It was bit of a shock to the system,” he said.
“I’m busy right now cancelling all the scratchies.”
It is understood three break ins also occurred between the evening of Saturday 28 October evening to the morning of Sunday 29 October on Belgrave-Gembrook Road.
One real estate agency, one food store and a hair salon are believed to be the victims of the other break ins.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
Police reports can be made anonymously.
