Double dosed

By Melissa Meehan
POLICE are hunting a man wanted in connection with two ram-raids at a Noble Park pharmacy last week.
At 4.15am on both Saturday 28 March and Tuesday 31 March a stolen car was driven through the front door before the man fled with a large quantity of sleeping pills.
Detective Senior Constable Dean Hedge said the Cincotta Discount Chemist was raided when a man reversed a stolen Tarago into the front door on Saturday.
“He then took an amount of varied medication, got back into the car and left,” he said.
“Witnesses said while they did not see his face he had a distinct hobble when running.”
The stolen Tarago was later found abandoned in Rich Street, Noble Park.
Investigating officer Detective Senior Constable Alistair Boyd said the second incident happened at the same time on the following Tuesday morning.
This time the chemist was raided with a stolen green sedan through the front door. “Both incidents used a car stolen from the local Noble Park area shortly before the raid, and both vehicles were dumped in nearby streets. ”
He said the green sedan was found in Stuart Street. Police believe the two incidents are linked.
“On both occasions sleeping pills were taken,” Det Boyd said.
“It is an interesting one; sleeping pills can’t be used to make speed.”
Cincotta Discount Chemist manager Nigel Brennan said it was not the first time that the chemist had been broken into since it opened in September.
“It has happened twice before,” he said.
“This time they took sleeping pills – I can only guess that they are planning on selling them on the street.”
He said he wasn’t sure why this particular chemist was being targeted.
“It’s pretty hard to get into. But now it will be a lot harder.”
Mr Brennan said since the ram-raid and burglary metal shutters had been installed on the premises.
“The metal shutters cover the whole way across the windows,” he said. “You won’t be able to see the windows at night.”
He said he hoped the offender was caught soon.
“If he is caught charges will be laid.”
Anyone who may have seen the two incidents or have information in relation to either raid is asked to contact Det Boyd at Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.