POLICE have arrested two people following a series of alleged commercial burglaries across the Bass Coast this week, where almost $100k worth of cigarettes and alcohol were allegedly stolen.
It’s alleged the duo targeted multiple service stations and grocery stores between Monday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 8, using a stolen vehicle to commit the alleged offences.
The alleged thefts occurred at:
• A supermarket in Inverloch – cigarettes and alcohol valued at approximately $60,000
• A general store in Tarwin Lower – alcohol valued at approximately $5,000
• A service station in Fish Creek – cigarettes valued at approximately $10,000
• A general store in Mirboo North – cigarettes and alcohol valued at approximately $5,000
• A bottle shop in Inverloch – alcohol valued at approximately $12,000
Following an investigation by Bass Coast Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with support from Leongatha, Korumburra and Wonthaggi uniform members, two people were arrested yesterday including:
• A 22-year-old Leongatha man was charged with handle stolen goods, possess cocaine, possess controlled weapon, possess proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear at Korumburra Magistrates Court on December 11, 2025.
• A 16-year-old boy from the Bass Coast area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft, drive disqualified, handle stolen goods. He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
It is expected further charges will be laid.
Police have also recovered a stolen vehicle which was allegedly used during the incidents. All allegedly stolen items have since been seized by police and returned to the affected stores.
“Police have seized all of the allegedly stolen items and delivered them back to the affected stores – a great outcome for local business owners who’ve been through a tough week,” said Detective Inspector Leigh Balthazaar, Investigation and Response Manager.
“We know commercial burglaries have a significant impact on small business owners and the wider community, and this result shows the strong and coordinated work of our detectives on the ground.”