Security measures have been reviewed at The Gold Shop in Ballarat after what has been described as a well-planned and brazen theft on Wednesday.
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Around $10,000 worth of gold was stolen from the Lydiard Street North shop.
Shop owner Cordell Kent said around 5pm on Wednesday a “well-dressed, well-spoken man” entered the shop after previously telephoning to say he would be calling in to buy some gold.
He allegedly inspected a vintage 5oz bullion bar and a 1oz pure gold vintage medallion and engaged Mr Kent in conversation about the items, all the time saying he was waiting for his wife to arrive in order to make a decision.
The conversation dragged past closing time and the man distracted Mr Kent and Kate Kent, who was also in the store.
The offender allegedly went to the front door to look for his wife and ran off with the two items.
“This was a well-spoken man who knew the game,” said Mr Kent.
“He’d made a phone call in advance to set this up. While he was here he made a show of looking towards the door, expecting his wife to come in.”
“He’d actually started setting it up on the Monday,” added Ms Kent.
“There are things that we are now more cautious about. We have people walking in at 4.55pm reasonably often, to pick up stuff or make lay-by payments, because it’s the end of the working day.”
Mr Kent stressed he had reviewed safety and security measures in The Gold Shop for staff, customers and for his stock and new measures had been put in place.
He said Ballarat police had extensively fingerprinted the shop and spent more than two hours inspecting the scene of the crime.
There is extensive CCTV footage of the crime.
Ballarat police are hoping to release a description of a man they wish to interview in coming days.
If you can provide any information, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Reference: 045/16