Offenders target arts centre and shire office

The West Gippsland Arts Centre construction site and Baw Baw Shire customer service centre were the target of a burglary and criminal damage over the weekend.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related.

Both incidents occurred after 5pm on Friday night.

Offenders forced entry into a portable building on the arts centre development site and stole a quantity of tools and tool boxes.

Also over the weekend, offenders smashed a window to gain entry into the adjacent shire customer service centre in Smith St.

Police said offenders turned on water extinguishers causing significant damage to the office and carpet.

Police were investigating what had been stolen yesterday morning.

The customer service centre was closed yesterday morning until further notice.