Police investigate north side burglaries

ACT Policing is urging business owners to clear their daily cash takings following a spate of burglaries at business premises across Canberra’s north overnight (September 23/24).

Police have received at least a dozen reports of burglary and/or property damage from a number of retail, hospitality and specialist businesses in Belconnen, Kaleen, Cook, Spence, Kippax, Civic and Braddon today (September 24).

The incidents occurred between 6pm, Tuesday 23 September and 7am, Wednesday 24 September 2008.

In some of the incidents, offenders have stolen cash being held overnight on the premises, while other businesses recorded property damage caused from entry or attempts to enter their respective premises.

Acting Superintendent Erin Pobar said while the thieves were thwarted on most occasions by good business security measures, some owners needed to reassess the way they protect their assets.

“In some incidents, cash was left in tills and some businesses had fragile security doors protecting their premises,” Acting Superintendent Pobar said.

“Protecting your business and deterring thieves starts with securing your premises with deadlocks and removing all valuables from the shop every day.”

Police are continuing with investigations, particularly to determine whether the incidents are related. Police are yet to establish whether the same offenders are responsible for the burglaries.

Police would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or vehicles around shopping centres in Canberra’s north overnight to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.