The raid caused extensive damage to the VicRoad's office in Wendouree
POLICE are hunting two men who went to extreme measures to break into Ballarat’s VicRoads office yesterday morning – only to leave empty-handed.
The bungling thieves reversed a ute into the front window of the Learmonth Road office in the early hours of the morning, but no cash or equipment was taken.
Despite the apparent failed burglary, damage to the building was extensive.
Detective Senior Constable Alanna McDonald from the Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit said the public could hold the key to catching the offenders. She said footage taken from VicRoads security camera showed the brazen nature of the break-in.
“The ute has reversed into the front window of VicRoads ... the two males have gone in, been inside for about 30 seconds, looked through some cash tins then left,” she said.
“Nothing was stolen.”
Detective Senior Constable McDonald said the ute — a late model Ford Courier dual cab — may have damage to its rear section following the ram-raid.
“Its quite brazen the way that they’ve reversed straight into the front window,” she said.
“They’ve been in the office for about 30 seconds, but they’ve been in the area (of the building) for quite a while, so it’s quite disturbing. We’re asking anyone who has knowledge of the vehicle or the males in the area to contact Crime Stoppers.”
Police say both men were wearing hooded jumpers, one white and one red, and were in their late teens or early 20s.
The ram-raid caused minimal disruption to VicRoads staff and customers, with the office open for business as usual.
Anyone with information can call the Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on 5336 6080 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
jordan.oliver@thecourier.com.au