Police are hunting an accident-prone thief who unwittingly stole a guide dog during a crime spree with another man throughout Melbourne’s north-west including St Albans and Braybrook.
The Kia Cerato Koup was stolen from a Smithfield Road service station in Kensington about 1.20pm on April 20.
After leaving, the offender realised the victim’s guide dog was in the car, he then dropped the dog off at a nearby bowling club before it was reunited with its owner.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the guide dog may have been training, as the victim was not visually impaired.
She said the woman was paying for fuel when the offender stole the car.
Police believe the same man stole number plates from a vehicle at a Dinah Parade, Keilor East, property, between noon and 6pm on April 25.
Two men then broke into the roof of a St Albans business about 4.46am on April 26.
Police said CCTV footage revealed one of the men fell several metres and appeared to have injured his leg, as he can be seen limping.
The two men attempted to steal alcohol but were disturbed by an alarm. They then managed to steal a memorabilia frame.
Investigators believe later that morning, about 6.45am on April 26, the same two men used ropes attached to the stolen Kia Cerato to rip a metal fence down and smash the rear door of a Hampshire Road business in Sunshine.
One of the men was believed to have cut his leg on broken glass at the scene.
They took a wheelie bin into the store and took a number of items before leaving in the stolen car, with the ropes attached.
Three hours later police believe the injured man went to a chemist, at the corner of Duke Street and South Road in Braybrook, to get assistance for his injuries.
The man with the cut leg is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 183 centimetres tall, aged in his mid-20s, with dark short brown hair.
He was wearing grey and pink runners, blue tracksuit pants and a black-hooded jumper with holes in the front-left pocket and at the back, he was also wearing a mask.
The police statement said the second man, who had injuries to his leg and would be limping, was described as Caucasian, thin to medium build, about 173 centimetres tall, and aged in his mid-20s with dark short brown hair.
He was wearing a dark jumper with a light horizontal stripe, dark tracksuit pants and runners.
Investigators have released CCTV images of the two men police believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. The footage and images were taken from the St Albans business.
Anyone with any information about the incidents or who recognises the men is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
By Emily Woods, The Age
