FIVE Victoria Point businesses have been targeted by thieves in two days.
Cash was stolen from three shops on Sunday night, while damage was done to the other two on Monday night.
The thieves stole from the Victoria Point Shopping Centre-based Redlands Sea Chinese restaurant and Baskin-Robbins and Feetology Podiatry Centre on the corner of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and Colburn Avenue on Sunday.
The following night attempts were made to get into Fish 489 and Nice Nails and Beauty, both part of Victoria Point Shopping Centre.
Police said thieves damaged a door at the back of the ice-cream shop and then smashed a hole in the wall to get into the adjoining podiatry centre between 10pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday.
An industrial bin was also pushed in front of windows and cardboard stuck up on the inside to block the view from the road.
Cash was stolen from both businesses and, in Baskin-Robbins, a safe was damaged, power to CCTV cameras was disabled and the phone line was pulled out.
Police said the thieves got into Chinese restaurant between 6.20pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday.
They rummaged through drawers, stole cash and broke a padlock into the cold storage facilities.
Between 8.30pm on Monday and 6.30am the following morning the security system was ripped from the wall outside Fish 489 and police said it appeared a screwdriver had been used in an attempt to get into the shop.
A door was also damaged, but no access was gained at Nice Nails and Beauty.
Crime prevention co-ordinator for the Bayside Patrol, Sergeant Chris Hebblethwaite called on owners of small businesses in the Redlands to immediately review security and cash handling procedures following the incidents.
He said businesses could reduce their chances of becoming a victim by banking daily, not keeping cash on site after hours and displaying signs stating that no cash was kept on the premises.
He said donation or other coin tins should be secured in a safe after hours and that businesses should ensure their CCTV was operating and owners knew how to obtain footage if necessary..
“Remember that your neighbouring businesses are part of your community too,” he said.
“Work with each other to improve the mutual security of your shops.”
If your business is broken into, report it to police immediately by phoning Policelink on 131 444.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au
