In the early morning hours on Smith Street, Collingwood, police suspect that a stolen Hino truck was used in an audacious attempt to break into a store. At approximately 5:30 am, the truck reportedly reversed into the storefront, causing significant damage.

The individuals inside the truck aimed to access an ATM positioned at the front of the newsagency. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and they made a hasty escape in a Toyota Hilux, fleeing east along Johnston Street.

Fortunately, the premises were empty at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. The attempted burglary left the community rattled, yet unharmed.

Scott Layton, who co-owns a nearby pub, recounted his experience of the event to Today. He described being abruptly awakened by what he initially thought was the sound of a glass bin being thrown onto the road. “I heard what sounded like two men arguing before they sped off,” he noted, reflecting on the commotion that disturbed his morning.

Layton, who resides above his establishment, shared that the noise was a jarring way to start the day, underscoring the disruptive nature of the attempted heist.

“I live upstairs, so yeah, it was not a nice way to wake up.”

The truck was stolen on December 29 in Dandenong South.