General News
11 April, 2025
Men charged in relation to several burglaries
TWO men have been arrested following a series of commercial burglaries in March and April across the western district.
It is alleged the burglaries took place in Port Fairy, Koroit, Portland, Ballarat, Terang and Mortlake between March 26 and April 7.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was alleged four sites were targeted by three individuals in a serious of offending which detectives believe to have been connected.
Among the sites targeted, which were not trading at the time of the alleged incidents, was the supermarket in Sackville Street, Port Fairy, and the supermarket in Commercial Road, Koroit.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police will allege the men, travelling in a white SUV bearing false plates, stole a large quantity of cash, cigarettes and vehicles during the burglaries.
“The offenders first came to the attention of police when they tried to steal a vehicle from a property in Portland,” the spokesperson said.
“The men smashed the victim’s windscreen before they were disturbed by the owner and fled the scene about 1am.
“It is believed the same three men then forced their way into various stores in the early hours of the morning over a four-hour period.”
Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested two men at a motel in Ballarat on Monday, April 7 in relation to the alleged offending.
A 21-year-old Portland man and a 20-year-old man of no fixed address have been charged with multiple offences including theft of motor vehicles, burglary, theft, aggravated burglary, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drug possession.
Both were remanded in custody to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on April 28, 2025.
Detectives are also investigating whether the same men were also involved in a petrol drive off at a service station on Jamieson Street in Warrnambool.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incidents is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
