By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay detectives have called for any public assistance to identify a man following a number of alleged burglaries in Altona Meadows, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing in July.
Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Libby McHarg said the alleged burglaries occurred between Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13, with the man taking about $2000 across the alleged burglaries.
“At approximately 2am, one male has attended several commercial small businesses in the Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook areas,” she said.
“This male offender has gone to the front doors of these premises…and he’s jemmied open the front doors using some sort of claw hammer.
“Once inside, the male offender has rummaged through the tills of these businesses and stolen significant amounts of cash.”
Senior Constable McHarg said the male has been described as Caucasian, about 180 to 185 centimetres tall, with short hair and a slightly receding hairline and walking with a distinctive limp.
“We do have some clear footage, so we’re hoping someone will recognise this male,” she said.
Senior Constable McHarg said CCTV footage captured the man driving a dark-coloured Mitsubishi sedan with an unknown licence plate number.
She said the man then attended a number of premises in Altona Meadows, including a medical centre on Queen Street in Altona Meadows at about 12.45 am on Wednesday, July 13 and a number of residential properties in Edina Grove.
“Again, he has tried to jemmy open the front door, however, was unsuccessful,” Senior Constable McHarg said.
“He’s utilised a nearby rock and has smashed open that window.”
She said the man was unsuccessful in locating any money at the medical centre.
“A short time later, this same male offender has attended some residential streets in the Altona Meadows area,” Senior Constable McHarg said.
“He’s approached the front door of one residential house.
“However, he’s become spooked by the Ring security doorbell and the light and before attempting to open that door handle, he’s left on foot.”
She said the man jemmied open the rear door of the garage of another property in Altona Meadows and rummaged through the contents of the garage.
“He was unable to gain access to the actual house,” Senior Constable McHarg said.
Details: 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
