Crime wave strikes IGA

The IGA supermarket on Sturt St, Southbank was the victim of a spate of crimes over recent months.

According to the store’s owner Robert Tseriotis, the first of the incidents occurred on March 27 when an assailant allegedly entered the store at around 8pm armed with a knife, taking approximately $300 in cash before fleeing.

This was followed by a series of break-ins last month, with the first occurring on Monday, April 18 at approximately 2am when two people forced their way into the premises taking about $2500.

A second break in occurred almost a week later on Tuesday, April 26 in almost identical circumstances, however, Mr Tseriotis said those responsible only caused damage to computers, phones and cameras in the store’s office.

Mr Tseriotis said, given the normally quiet nature of that area of Southbank, the crimes were very unusual.

“It’s a pretty community-focused area, it’s not like we get a lot of foot traffic at that time of night, unless its visitors coming to an arts show,” he said.

“We’ve had quite a few thefts during the night but an armed robbery has never happened. It’s very unusual.”

He said the store’s cameras had captured the incidents and that police were continuing investigations.

If anyone has any information regarding these incidents contact either the Southbank Police Station directly on 8635 0900 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000