BORDER teens are the likely culprits in a crime spree at Beechworth on Monday night.
Three businesses were broken into in Ford Street and a Commodore stolen from a garage was used as the getaway car.
Cash, a briefcase, iPod and magnetic field reader were among other stolen items.
A white Mazda van stolen from Cadell Street, East Albury, also on Monday night was found abandoned in nearby Church Street.
Beechworth Sen-Constable Andrew Deegan said it suggested the thieves were not from the historic town.
He said valuable items overlooked by the thieves also showed a lack of sophistication.
“The offenders have gained access to the Golden Era service station by forcing a window and stolen cash and keys,” he said
“One of those keys was then used to steal a maroon Commodore station wagon.
“They have then gone across the road to Blynzz coffee shop and forced entry through the front door and stolen cash before going down the road to Ikolegi and stealing a laptop, iPod, a magnetic field reader and a briefcase.
“But there were a lot of valuable items that were left behind which suggests the offenders weren’t particularly sophisticated, perhaps kids.
“They have either come to town to visit friends or have come with a plan.”
Sen-Constable Deegan said neighbours heard some activity about 10.30pm.
“The main street is pretty quiet at that time of night, so it would have been unusual,” he said.
“We are asking the public to keep a lookout for the stolen maroon VT Commodore station wagon with a licence plate QLP-797.”
Anyone with information should phone Beechworth police on (03) 5728 1032 or Wodonga on (02) 6049 2700.