Thieves pull off ram raid on Melbourne Telstra store
Thieves in Melbourne have made a dramatic escape after ram-raiding a Telstra store.
Nine News has obtained CCTV of a ute being used in the brazen ram-raid at a Point Cook in the city's south-west.
The vehicle was reversed through the front doors of the Main Street business just before 2am.
CCTV shows the thieves breaking glass with crowbars to make their way inside. 9News
Employees putting the store back together. 9News
One of the offenders used a crow bar to smash through the remaining glass.
The store's owner Jason Farrugia says he estimates the damage bill could top $10,000.
"They were in for about a minute and then they ran back out again," he told 9News.
The would-be thief unsuccessfully tried to gain access to a back storeroom where the stock was locked in a safe.
The tray of a ute was used to smash the store windows. 9News
A spike in similar robberies at telco stores across Melbourne in recent months has led retailers to drastically reduce the amount of merchandise they leave on the floor after close of business.
"We have very limited stock in store. Everything's locked away in safes," Mr Farrugia said.
The offenders had left in the ute before police arrived.
Police inspect the store in Point Cook following the incident. 9News
It's not the first time the store has been targeted and damaged by thieves.
"It's frustrating from a business point of view - and very time consuming," Mr Farrugia said.
No arrests have been made and anyone with information is being urged to contact Crimestoppers.
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