Search for south east thief

Do you know this man?

By Mitchell Clarke

A series of south east businesses have been hit by a callous thief wearing a distinctive hat.

Police believe the man, perceived to be aged between 35 to 50-years-old, is allegedly behind a spate of burglaries over the New Year period.

Do you know this man?

The alleged thief was captured on CCTV breaking into an automotive store on Berwick-Cranbourne Road in Clyde North on Tuesday 29 December.

Police allege on that occasion he stole a quantity of tools.

On each occasion the man was wearing a distinctive blue and grey cap with a red emblem and reflective rims.

The next evening, Wednesday 30 December, it’s believed the same man gained entry to a bottle shop on the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne North.

He also allegedly stole numerous boxes of alcohol.

A few days later, on Friday 1 January, the same man is said to have broken into a chemist on Webb Street in Narre Warren.

Detectives from the Casey Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) are appealing for public assistance as part of the “ongoing investigation”.

Investigators have released CCTV images of the man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

The man was driving a blue 1998-2005 Holden Astra CD 5 door model with nil plates.

The alleged thief is believed to be Caucasian in appearance. On each occasion, he was purportedly seen driving a blue 1998-2005 Holden Astra CD 5 door model with nil plates.

During each alleged theft, the man was also captured wearing a distinctive blue and grey cap with a red emblem and reflective rims.

The investigation remains ongoing and police urge any witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.