By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A COMMERCIAL smash and grab proved almost fruitless for a number of balaclava-clad men captured frantically rummaging through a Pakenham sport retail store after tripping the alarm system in a recent moonlit burglary.
CCTV security footage installed at Pakenham and District Golf Club shows three offenders, thought to be men between 16-22 years of age, breaking into the pro shop, at 3.56am on Thursday 10 March.
It is unclear what was used to smash the shop front glass however the intrusion immediately spiked the store’s alarm system, sending the offenders into a spin.
Golf Club general manager Jason McQualter said footage showed the men inside the premises for about 30 seconds, pinching merchandise including golf club, hats, bags and alcohol.
However, the offenders’ efforts to locate cash did not go to plan with the three taking off without any money.
“I am tipping they hit the glass with something pretty powerful,” Mr McQualter said of the threesome’s explosive entry to the retail pro store.
“But they were after some quick cash and they got none.”
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives were on scene early the next morning, dusting for fingerprints and gathering evidence to locate the burglars.
Shattered glass from the incident could be seen at the side of the shop, which had been boarded up with timber panels.
Police were unable to comment about the investigation when contacted by the Gazette in the wake of the burglary.
Mr McQualter said some of the stolen merchandise was recognisably unique to the golf store, providing possible leads to investigating officers working to recover the stock and identify those involved.
Security footage captured at the time shows two tall youth offenders wearing hoodies, balaclava and gloves.
Another offender was described as being in his late teens and short.
Police are yet to itemise and value the goods stolen, however Mr McQualter said it was likely to ring up to several thousands of dollars.
