A FAMILY business has suffered a major setback after a break-in which netted thousands of dollars worth of stock.
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Skiplus at Tawonga South was recently targeted and police are urging people to look out for the stolen items, which could appear online or at markets.
A man with a jemmy bar pried open a door and entered the Kiewa Valley Highway store with another burglar.
They were only inside for about a minute or minute-and-a-half and fled in a car.
The owner, who asked not to be named, said it appeared the thieves had been in the store before or had scoped it out in advance.
“It looked like it was planned,” she said.
“They just walked straight in and went straight for the jackets, the new stock which had been put on the shelf.
“It was new skiwear, jackets, hoodies and ski pants.
“They seemed to know where everything was.”
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of last Friday and involved about 60 items, will have a major impact on the store.
“It’s a gut-wrenching feeling,” the owner said.
“All that hard work in the lead up to the snow season, not to mention all the ordering we have to do from last year to get stock in with unpacking and hanging it out.
“We’re only a small family business, it’s a real kick in the guts to us when this sort of thing happens.”
The business was targeted in similar circumstances in December 2016.
The owner doesn’t think the same people were involved this time.
“This was a different attack,” she said.
“The last attack, they ransacked the place.
“They went through everything, made a mess and got away with cash and items of clothing.
“This one just seems to be next level.”
A cash draw with money inside was also targeted during last week’s break-in.
The front door was also damaged, with brands including DC, Roxy, Quicksilver and Rip Curl targeted.
Detective Senior Constable Justin Schulze said Wangaratta detectives were investigating and seeking information.
“People should be mindful these items may be on-sold, either by social media or at markets,” he said.