Stolen 'car wash' vehicle used in ram raids

A car stolen from a Bunbury car wash last week was used in a series of ram raids at the weekend.

Two businesses in Bunbury and one in Eaton are picking up the pieces after the car was used to smash into the stores.

Elliott’s Small Engines on Picton Road was targeted about 12am on Sunday before Stingaz Surf and Skate Store in Eaton was hit about 1.20am and Pool and Spa Mart on Sandridge Road at 2.35am.

The black Holden Captiva was found abandoned at 2.50am, dumped on Nuytsia Avenue in Carey Park.

Bunbury Police Sen. Sgt Peter Jenal said inquiries would continue to identify the perpetrators.

‘‘It’s disturbing that they stole the car, kept it a few days, before committing these serious offences,’’ he said.

In each case, the car was used to smash in the front doors.

Elliott’s Small Engines owner Noel Elliott said the thieves got away with an empty till.

‘‘The car went through the front door, the doors are trashed and the windows on either side are broken,’’ he said.

The thieves’ next target was Stingaz in Eaton. Owner Greg Bowles, said jeans, cargo pants, sunglasses and jackets were stolen.

‘‘Then there’s damage to stock — we can’t sell products that have glass shards in them,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s kind of heart-breaking, this is something that you put your heart and soul into.’’

Mr Bowles said the store was losing business because of the incident.

‘‘We have to wait until the windows are fixed, hopefully we’ll be open by Wednesday,’’ he said.

The thieves stole about $1000 from Pool and Spa Mart .

Director Eamon Horrobin said the business would stay open.

‘‘We’re carrying on, this has been more of a pain in the bum,’’ he said.

The stolen car’s original owner, Dyane Marsh, said she did not want the car back now it had been involved in crimes.

‘‘Hopefully they can lift some prints,’’ she said. Anyone with information about the break-ins should contact Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000.