UPDATED, Friday, 9.10am:
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After four break-ins in a fortnight the operator of the popular Lawn Bar at the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club is closing.
Operator Tyson Jakitsch said on Friday morning, December 15, that for the safety and well-being of him and his family he had made the decision to shut the business.
Offenders again entered the Lawn Bar overnight on Thursday and forced entry to a cool room, removing stock worth thousands of dollars.
"We've been rolled four times in two weeks," Mr Jakitsch said.
"It's very difficult to keep doing it. Regardless of our security, I have to come down here and I just can't keep doing it.
"We don't live on-site so I have to drive down. It's an issue of my safety and my well-being."
Entry was again forced to the bar marquee on the east side of the tennis courts.
"What do you do? I need sleep mate," he said.
"We work long hours. I work full-time as well and now I'm doing a night shift as a security guard.
"That's not going to continue happening."
In a social media Facebook post Mr Jakitsch said it was with a heavy heart he had decided to close the Lawn Bar.
He said the concept had worked well last summer, but the constant attention of thieves had ruined the business.
"We write to notify all our wonderful supporters and community that we will not be continuing The Lawn Bar this summer," he said in a post.
"We are a small family run business and have made this decision after our safety and well-being has been violated.
"We apologise to all those who have made bookings with us, and we will be in touch to notify you individually.
"Thank you for your support, we do hope to see you again.
"Tonight will be our last night."
On Thursday: The popular Lawn Bar at the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club on Pertobe Road has been raided with a large amount of alcohol stolen.
Detective Senior Constable Wayne Ryan, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said between 10pm on Sunday, December 10 and noon Wednesday, December 13, an offender or offenders had entered the Lawn Bar inside a marquee on the east side of the courts.
"They have jumped the locked gate to gain access to the bar area and then forced a lock on a fridge," he said.
"Stolen was six slabs of beer, 20 bottles of wine, 30 rolls of toilet paper, 30 cans of soft drink and four bottles of cordial valued at about $800."
The theft was reported to police on Wednesday and crime scene officers attended at the venue to conduct forensic tests.
Anyone who saw something suspicious in the ear has been requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
It's expected the tennis club will review its security following the burglary and theft.
