Gang use ute to smash through Melbourne stores

Three thieves remain on the run after using a stolen ute to plough through businesses in Melbourne’s south-east.

Security video picked up the stolen Nissan Navara barrelling through the front of a Liquorland in Berwick early on AFL Grand Final day on September 29.

Roofing and glass collapse around the ute as the offenders bring the vehicle to a stop before storming the shop. One dangling door can be seen crashing to the ground.

The trio, all wearing masks and gloves, jump out of the vehicle and wade through the debris to the till.

Armed with a crow bar, one of the thugs persists with trying to jam open a cupboard, with another standing by.

However, much to their dismay, the cupboard is bare and the men are forced to flee empty handed.

“It's believed the offenders were disturbed by workers at a nearby supermarket,” Acting Detective Sergeant Andrew Price told 9News.

Minutes before to the Liquorland ram-raid, it’s believed the gang targeted a Bunnings Warehouse in Cranbourne.

In separate security video vision, one of the crooks can be seen ramming the back of the store as the remaining two men attempted to rob the hardware store.

However, yet again, the gang are unsuccessful and flee without any loot.

The ute, which was taken from a Ringwood property six days before the ram-raids, was found burnt out on September 29.

Detectives continue to search for the offenders.

“(Their) behaviour shows complete disregard for other people’s properties and lives,” Acting Detective Sergeant Price said.

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