Four masked offenders reportedly ransacked the Kennedy store in Melbourne’s Chadstone shopping centre in the early hours of Saturday.
After forcing entry into the store via its rear fire door, the intruders smashed display cabinets and looted several items, although no luxury watches were stolen. The criminals collided with a car as they made their getaway in a white vehicle.
This incident comes after watches valued at $2 million were stolen from the same store in December. This recent break-in was reportedly identical to the 2023 incident, which has raised questions about the security at Chadstone.
CEO James Kennedy said he was shocked to discover that the store had been targeted twice in such a short period of time.
“We are still understanding what has gone on, and police are investigating,” he told the Herald Sun.
“We significantly improved our security and protocols following the incident in December. “Entry points to the store were reinforced, and high-value items were all locked away in our safes.
“So in that regard, the thieves, while causing quite a bit of damage, weren’t able to make off with anywhere near the quantum of value of items this time.”
Kennedy operates stores in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth and specialises in luxury watch brands such as Rolex and Patek Phillipe.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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