A NEWSAGENCY has been robbed at Altona’s Harrington Square, where bookshop owner Jill Brookes was almost bashed to death on July 20.
Detective Senior Constable Luke Flint, of the Hobsons Bay crime investigation unit, said the two incidents were not linked.
In the newsagency robbery on Monday last week — the night before the $100 million Oz Lotto draw — two employees were preparing to close the store when a man entered.
“As he walked towards the counter the attendant there realised he’s got a balaclava on so, fearing the worst, she’s gone to the back of the shop and the male’s then proceeded to go through all the tills and he’s taken about $8000 in cash,” Detective Senior Constable Flint said.
“Whether it was an opportunistic thing or whether they thought there’d be cash in there because of the Oz Lotto draw, I couldn’t say.”
The next night, three men were arrested and charged with trying to steal a car in Harrington Square.
On Wednesday last week, a man wielding a tomahawk and knife in Altona’s Logan Reserve was arrested under the Mental Health Act at Coles Liquorland nearby.
Detective Sergeant Brad Lawrence, of Hobsons Bay CIU, said bookshop owner Ms Brookes, 61, was still not able to speak to police.
Police are seeking CCTV footage from homes or businesses near Harrington Square.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Altona North police on 9392 3111.
