Small businesses across Adelaide’s northern suburbs have been hit by a series of overnight break-ins, with laundromat coin machines repeatedly targeted by hooded offenders.
The latest reported attack took place at X-Press Laundromat in Martins Plaza shortly after 2am on Friday 28 August. CCTV showed two men entering the premises before going around the back and forcing open a rear door when they could not reach the storeroom from inside.
The thieves damaged the coin-changing machine before leaving, according to owner Fran, who said the repeated attacks were placing growing pressure on small operators.
“They got in and completely destroyed my coin-changing machine,” she told 7NEWS. “We are not a bottomless pit of money that can just keep taking these hits.”
Businesses in Burton and Salisbury North were also targeted that night. Two further laundromats, in Ingle Farm and Waterloo Corner, were broken into on Monday 31 August.
At the Ingle Farm premises, offenders allegedly drove a motorbike through the front doors before forcing their way into a secured back room. Owner Ian said the door had two deadbolts and a lock, but was kicked in.
The offenders were unable to open the coin machine and left without taking money.
A further break-in was reported at a Northgate shopping centre early on Wednesday 2 September. South Australia Police said officers were called to the site on Fosters Road at about 5am after reports of suspects breaking into the mall.
Police said the group was seen with a white Toyota LandCruiser and a white hatchback, but officers were unable to locate either the suspects or the vehicles. Investigators are working with business owners to establish what was stolen.
South Australia Police have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
