Managing director Matt Still said staff at his Bant Street business found they had been robbed at around 6.30am on Wednesday. 

The thief gained access to the building through a window at the side of the property, proceeding to smash the lock on the internal office door with a sledge hammer. 

“There was some cash and some small pieces of equipment [stolen],” Mr Still said.

He believes the stolen cash and equipment would total around $5000, while damage to the building would cost more than $1000 to repair. 

Another business in the South Bathurst area was also targeted by thieves recently and Mr Still suspects the two incidents may be related.

“There was an attempted break-in at the Robinson’s over on the Vale Road, a mechanic,” he said.

This is not the first time Still Engineering has had items stolen from the premises.

“About 18 months ago we had a break-in and they stole one of the vehicles, which was later found in Bannerman Crescent,” Mr Still said. 

Thankfully, Still Engineering is now equipped with CCTV cameras and footage from Tuesday night and Wednesday morning will hopefully be  helpful in identifying those responsible for the break-in. 

Police are currently reviewing the footage and will continue their investigation.

This latest break-in comes after three major Kelso businesses, Harvey Norman, BCF and Masters, were targeted by thieves early on Monday morning. 

In the weeks leading up to those break-ins, Bathurst PCYC, a motel in Charlotte Street, Jumbo’s Jungle, a local school and a William Street business were also broken into.

Chifley Local Area Command duty officer Inspector Gerard Powell encourages business owners to take any measures necessary to protect their businesses from thieves.

“People need to be vigilant as far as security to their business and do anything to make it harder for people trying to break in,” Inspector Powell said.

Members of the public who come across any suspicious activity are asked to call Bathurst Police Station immediately on 6332 8699.