A locally-owned petrol station lost three hours of business after it was broken into on Tuesday night.
Vantage Fuels in Strathfieldsaye was broken into on Tuesday night.
Part-time worker Haydn arrived at the business to find one of the sliding doors smashed in and glass strewn over majority of the shop floor.
Haydn said the offenders stole cigarettes from behind the counter.
He said the smashed glass had pierced some cans of the soft-drink V, which caused a sticky mess on the floor.
He said he was unsure how long the business was unsecure for.
From 6am to 9am the business entrance was cordoned off with police tape and the petrol bowsers were not accessible.
“Mostly it is just inconvenient for us,” he said.
“We are independently owned so we really feel it.
“But unfortunately this is part of trading in this industry.
“Over the past 24 months it has become much more common in this area.”
Bendigo Criminal Investigation Unit senior constable Heath Barker said the incident occurred at 3.15am on Tuesday morning.
He said two offenders wearing disguises forced entry to the business.
He said if anyone could provide information then they should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 FREE
Extracted in full from Bendigo Advertiser.
