AUSTRALIA COMPUTERS STOLEN Wendouree theft leads to car chase - Local News - News - General - The Courier:

Wendouree theft leads to car chase
17/03/2009 10:36:00 PM

THIEVES led a Wendouree business director on a five-minute car chase through the streets of Wendouree yesterday morning.

Manufacturing Metal Solutions director Mark Allen arrived at the Coronet St business around 5am yesterday to find a car parked outside the building.

"Three guys then came out of the bushes, hopped in the car and took off," he said.

Mr Allen followed the car through several Wendouree streets _ including Creswick Rd and Gillies St _ for almost five minutes.

After following them through a number of back streets, Mr Allen lost sight of the trio near Forest St.

"Their car was a bit faster than mine," Mr Allen said.

Upon returning to his workplace, Mr Allen discovered around $4000 of computer equipment had been stolen.

The trio allegedly gained entry to the building by forcing a window.

Mr Allen said it was the second time the business had been targeted by thieves in the past two years.

"It is pretty frustrating because there is a lot of information on the computers we need," he said.

Meanwhile, thieves targeted a petrol station in Barkly St on Monday night.

Around 9pm, offenders gained entry to the business by smashing a window next to the front door.

They then forced open a cupboard in a rear office and stole cigarettes.

They also stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Ballarat Police Station on 5336 6000 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 h000.