Acting Sergeant Peter Clarke said the Long Gully man allegedly used a large piece of concrete to smash his way inside the McCrae Street service station about 4.15am on Saturday.

Police alleged the 19-year-old stole 45 packets of cigarettes, valued at $1400, along with 32 packets of rolling papers, a cash register with $200 inside, and various keys.

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Acting Sergeant Clarke said the store's alarm was activated during the alleged break-in and a neighbour called police.

Officers attended the scene a short time later and found the man nearby. He allegedly had some of the stolen cigarette packets in his possession.

Acting Sergeant Clarke said a bag with the stolen items was also found in the front garden of a nearby property.

The 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to the Bendigo Police Station, where he was charged with burglary, theft, and damaging property.

The man was remanded in custody to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Monday.

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