Family-owned Drennan O’Malley Motors ‘devastated’ after car yard broken into for first time in 54 years

A family-run car dealership were shocked to discover their business ransacked on Sunday night after suspects attempted to break open a safe with an angle grinder. Drennan O’Malley Motors’ office was left in a mess when they opened on Monday after an alleged break-in. Partner Ron O’Malley said he discovered the office was ransacked after a staff member called him on Sunday afternoon to advise the flood lights weren’t on and the office light was. “I came in about 9pm in the evening and this was the mess we found and we phoned the police and all credit to them they were down here within 10 minutes,” he said. Mr O’Malley said he was “most disappointed” to be targeted and it was the first time the dealership had been broken into in 54 years of business. “We’re a pretty prominent business in town, it’s a small business and it’s always a struggle and we’re supportive of sporting businesses and help a lot of people,” he said. He said he believed the suspects were seeking cash or keys to vehicles. Geraldton police OIC Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the suspects were able to reach through the smashed glass and unlock the door. He said the only security at the business were the flood lights to the car yard which activate at 7pm. “Upon investigation it was ascertained the business had been broken into and the offices within had been trashed,” he said. “It appears the offenders targeted a safe in the rear office. The safe sustained significant damage but was unopened, furthermore the wall to the rear of the safe had sustained significant damage also in an attempt to access from the rear.” Sen. Sgt Martin said police located a bent star picket, a crow bar and a grinder all left in situ, and alcohol and silver coins on site were not stolen. “At the time of attendance officers were unable to establish if anything had been taken.” Sen. Sgt Martin confirmed the safe was empty, the keys to the vehicles were secured elsewhere and large sums of money weren’t kept on site.