AN estimated $20,000 worth of stock was allegedly stolen when thieves smashed the front window of Wishart’s the Jewellers in Kerang and ransacked the premises in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Security and police were called to the Victoria Street store after the shop’s alarm, which is monitored in Melbourne, went off about 3.40am.
Co-owner Julie Wilkinson arrived at the scene about 4am.
“There was glass everywhere, through the whole shop,” she said.
“They smashed the bottom panel of the front glass door and smashed the side panel to try to get into the back cabinet and counter.
“They smashed all the cabinets inside and cleaned it all out.”
Ms Wilkinson said she believed the burglars, who had removed everything of high value in a short period of time “knew what they were doing”.
“They’ve come in with a plan,” she said.
“They only took the gold and the diamonds.”
Among the items stolen were three drawers of gold and diamond jewellery, gold chains, rings, pendants and earrings.
Ms Wilkinson said she believed local business owners and residents might not be sufficiently alert to the risk of crime in the area.
“I’ve lived in Kerang all my life and you don’t realise Kerang can be like this,” she said.
“Prevention is better than cure.
“If we didn’t have security, they would have wiped the whole shop out.
“We will move on and try to keep going if we can.”
Police have released a CCTV image of the vehicle they believe was used in the burglary and are appealing to the public for any information on the crime.
Detective Adrian Gordon, from the Swan Hill criminal investigation unit, said investigations were continuing.
“Further forensic analysis will be conducted of all evidence gathered,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kerang Police on 5452 1955, Swan Hill Police on 5036 1600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
