Ram-raid hunt

By Bridget Cook
POLICE have recovered the van used in two ram-raid burglaries in Dandenong on the weekend, which left a shop owner with injuries to his face and head.
Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Sergeant Shane Pola said a passer-by alerted police to the “suspicious white van” parked in Cleeland Street, Dandenong on Sunday afternoon.
Det Pola said the vehicle was now being examined.
Detectives from Dandenong CIU are still seeking witnesses and information over the ram raids on Saturday morning.
“Investigations are progressing,” Det Pola said.
The first incident occurred about 2.50am in Hemmings Street, Dandenong where a white coloured van reversed through the front of a supermarket.
Six people were seen getting out of the van and ransacked the store, stealing a large amount of alcohol.
All the offenders had their faces covered during the burglary.
A short time later, about 3.24am, a white van also reversed through the front of a liquor store in Heyington Crescent, Dandenong North.
Up to seven offenders were seen getting out of the van before ransacking the store to steal alcohol.
During the raid, the store’s owners, who live above the store, were woken by the ram raiders.
One of the owners, a man aged in his 40s, walked into the shop to investigate the source of the crash.
He was confronted by the offenders who began punching and kicking him, which left him with cuts and bruises to his face and head.
The man was able to escape and raise the alarm with police.
Detectives are now studying CCTV footage and are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.