Car causes $50,000 worth of damage in ram raid in Melbourne’s south-east

Police are searching for the driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser who rammed through a shopping centre in Glen Waverley last week.

The unknown offender smashed the car through glass sliding doors into The Glen shopping centre at around 2.45am last Thursday, before driving through the centre and into the security shutter of a jewellery store.

The driver was confronted by security at the shopping centre, but managed to escape through another set of sliding glass doors.

The ram caused around $50,000 worth of damage, but the offender did not manage to steal anything.

Police have released CCTV footage of the incident in the hope it will assist with investigations.

The car is missing a passenger side mirror as a result of the ram raid, and has extensive damage to the driver’s side mirror as well as other likely damage to the front and back of the car.

It is believed to be a 2011-2012 200 series GXL Turbo Diesel model Land Cruiser.

The car has other modifications including a black steel bull bar, a set of aluminium side steps and a Rhino brand platform roof rack and tow bar pack.

The car is believed to have stolen number plates.

Police are investigating after possible sightings in the Cranbourne and Lynbrook areas.

The man seen driving the vehicle is described as being in his teens, of African appearance and about 165cm tall.

At the time, he was wearing a black hooded jumper and black pants.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.