Masked thieves made off with an estimated $10,000 (roughly $7,226.50 USD) worth of luxury fragrances after smashing into a western Sydney perfume store on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at City Perfume in the Stockland Merrylands shopping center just before 7 p.m.
CCTV footage shows three males using their hands and feet to force open the store's metal security screen. After prying the door open for nearly a minute, two individuals entered the store while a third acted as a lookout. They spent approximately 30 seconds grabbing perfumes from the shelves before fleeing the scene.
The thieves targeted the most expensive items, according to Thanh Luong, marketing manager for City Perfume. Among the stolen goods were high-tier Parfums de Marly, with individual bottles valued between $500 and $600. They also took Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani fragrances, priced from $200 to $400, and Dior Sauvage, ranging from $200 to $300.
Luong estimated that between 15 and 20 fragrances were taken. Including damage to the security door, the total loss was estimated at $18,000 (approximately $13,007.70 USD). The store remained closed on Wednesday morning as staff awaited police.
"We've had people shoplifting before but not to this level," Luong stated. "This is one of the first times when they break in when the store is closed." He noted that the break-in happened in the early evening while it was still light outside.
NSW Police confirmed they have launched an investigation into the alleged break and enter. Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command are seeking information from the public and urge anyone with details to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers.