THIEVES have struck a Colac physiotherapist in the latest attack on Colac health services.

Detective Chris Potter of Colac Criminal Investigation Unit said burglars broke into Colac’s Corio Bay Sports Clinic, “ransacked the offices” and stole cash, in what was the fifth burglary on Colac’s Miller Street in four months.

Det Potter said the thieves forced their way through the business’s front door and “rifled through draws and cupboards”.

He said the burglary happened between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.

Det Potter said there was “nothing to indicate” the weekend’s burglary and four others in Miller Street since January were linked.

Thieves broke into Colac Adult Day Activity Centre last week and stole property including a blood pressure monitor.

Burglars also hit Colac’s Neighbourhood House in January stealing a laptop, digital camera and cash, while would-be thieves also hit Corangamite Clinic and Trotter’s Dental Rooms on the same night in January but left empty handed.

“It could be a coincidence – it could be that a lot of these buildings are older and have older security,” Det Potter said.

“They may be viewed as soft targets – it’s an area with a number of different offices and public buildings, similar to shopping centres and the rest.

“We get these types of burglaries and certainly everyone in business needs to review their security, take steps to secure their goods, don’t leave cash on the premises, take photos of and label property.”

Det Potter said it was unlikely the same offender had committed the five Miller Street burglaries.

“We’ve got nothing to indicate that any of the jobs are related – an offender has been charged with one of them and is on remand,” he said.

Tags: Colac Otway Shire Council, Health