Pipers by the Lake, Ballarat Community Health Centre and Liberty, Caltex and Coles Express service stations were burgled. 

The crime wave swept through Lake Wendouree, Delacombe, Warrenheip, Wendouree and Lucas between 1am and 4.30am. 

The burglaries follow a spate of thefts that have hit the Ballarat region in recent weeks. 

Ballarat Police Criminal Investigation Unit said it was investigating the five burglaries, but as of Tuesday afternoon had not arrested or charged anyone. 

The Courier understands the five burglaries could be linked, but police could not confirm this. 

The crime spree is believed to have begun at Pipers by the Lake at Lake Wendouree at 1am. 

It is believed the thief broke into the premises twice, first at 1am and again at 4.30am to take two bottles of alcohol and one biscuit.

Pipers by the Lake management, who did not wish to comment about the burglary, provided CCTV footage to police. 

Ballarat Community Health Centre chief executive Robyn Reeves confirmed the Lucas centre had been broken into on Tuesday at 1.30am. 

Ms Reeves said a hooded-offender smashed through the centre’s cafe window to gain entry and attempted to steal cash, but was unsuccessful. 

“There was quite a bit of damage to the window,” she 

said. “(The offender) was only in the building for a couple of minutes and then left.”

Ms Reeves said the cafe had not been operational and there was no cash left on premises. 

Police said the Liberty service station, at Dowling and Norman streets in Wendouree, Caltex, at Latrobe street in Delacombe, and Coles Express, at the Western Highway in Warrenheip, were also broken into overnight. 

Ballarat Police called for anyone with information about the five burglaries to contact Crime Stoppers by telephoning 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at crimestoppers.com.au

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au