Haxhije and Ray Cox are angry after their business was broken into, and van windows smashed, early on Tuesday.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Owners of a Shepparton business are angry after about $10,000 worth of damage was caused as thieves broke into several areas of the business, including smashing their way into the store with a sledgehammer.
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Two thieves wearing masks broke into Total Tools in Benalla Rd, Shepparton, at 2.50am on Tuesday, smashing through the front glass door with a sledgehammer.
They took multiple Makita tool kits, a circular saw and a light, valued at about $7500.
Not only did the two people rob the store once, they came back a second time soon afterwards and took a second car-load of items.
Shepparton and Echuca Total Tools general manager Jared Welch said before smashing their way into the store, the thieves also smashed locks on the back of the building trying to get in.
One of the thieves steps in through a smashed door at the Total Tools Shepparton store.
They also smashed the windows of the business’s delivery van, as they couldn’t see what was inside.
Mr Welch said all that was in the van were straps the business used to hold items down while delivering them.
The straps were taken, but later dumped out the front of the shop.
Mr Welch said the thieves used an angle-grinder to get into the shipping container, but came up empty handed as it was only used to store old shelving.
“I’m sure they thought there was excess stock in it (the shipping container),” he said.
“They would have got a rude shock when they realised it was shelving units.”
Mr Welch said while the stolen stock was estimated to be worth about $7500, the thieves caused about $10,000 in damage.
It also meant staff members had to urgently chase around to get repairs done, with Mooroopna Glass and Solar City Locksmiths coming to the rescue quickly to get them back on their feet before the doors even opened for trading a few hours later.
Repairs on the van have not been so easy, with one of the windows having to be sent from overseas, causing a six-week wait before it can be fixed.
“We’re very frustrated,” Mr Welch said.
“Obviously it’s unsettling that people are going to smash through your windows to get in.
“Overall it’s disappointing when you try to provide a service to the town and there’s some grubs out there that think they can come and take things.”
Owners Ray and Haxhije Cox say they are now going to have to spend more money on security at the business, and the break-in will also cost them with a rise in insurance premiums.
“I’m bloody angry,” Mr Cox said.
“Why pick on the local guy.”
Shepparton police are investigating the break-in.
Anyone with information is urged to call Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
