Masked thieves steal over $7K in ‘most expensive’ fragrances from perfume store

A group of masked thieves smashed into a western Sydney perfume store on Tuesday evening, making off with an estimated $10,000 (roughly $7,226.50 USD) worth of luxury fragrances.

Shocking CCTV footage obtained by news.com.au shows the group of three males using their hands and feet to pry open the metal security screen at City Perfume at the Stockland Merrylands shopping center just before 7 p.m.

The trio spends nearly a full minute yanking and prying at the door before it breaks open, with two then rushing inside while one remains as a lookout.

They spend roughly 30 seconds grabbing perfumes from shelves before dashing away.

City Perfume marketing manager Thanh Luong said the thieves clearly knew what they were looking for, making off with the “most expensive” fragrances, including the top-tier Parfums de Marly, worth $500 (roughly $361.32 USD) to $433.59 USD per bottle.

They also grabbed Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani, which range from $200 (roughly $144.53 USD) to $400 (roughly $289.06 USD), and Dior Sauvage, which goes for $200 (roughly $144.53 USD) to $300 (roughly $216.80 USD).

“We’re still counting but so far I’d say between 15-20 fragrances are missing,” Luong told news.com.au on Wednesday morning.

“I’d say the losses are over $10,000.”

Including damage to the security door, Luong estimated the total cost at $18,000 (roughly $13,007.70 USD).

The store remained closed on Wednesday morning while staff waited for police.

“We’ve had people shoplifting before but not to this level,” Luong said.

“This is one of the first times when they break in when the store is closed.”

Luong noted that the break-in occurred in the early evening while it was still light outside.

“It was 7 p.m,, when basically the shop is closed but it’s not late,” he said.

The independent retailer, which also has locations at Bankstown and Wetherill Park, notified police immediately and “they advised not to touch anything until they arrive.”

“As of now they have not arrived and we can’t trade,” Luong said.

“We’re suffering financial loss right now.”

NSW Police said in a statement, “Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command have commenced an investigation in relation to an alleged break and enter at a perfume store inside a shopping center along McFarlane Street, Merrylands, shortly before 7 p.m. yesterday.

“As investigations commence police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Stockland has been contacted for comment.