Launceston CIB is investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in the greater Launceston areas in the early hours of this morning.
At approximately 2.05am, offenders unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the Kings Meadows News and Lotto at 116 Hobart Road, Kings Meadows by smashing the front door. Offenders were seen to be in a white dual cab utility.
At approximately 2.25am, offenders unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the IGA Supermarket at 65 Main Road Perth by jimmying the front door and then attempting to smash the glass. In this case, two offenders were seen to be in a white dual cab utility.
At approximately 2.30am, offenders gained entry to the Evandale Post Office by forcing entry to the front door, rummaged around inside looking for property and then leaving fairly quickly. Nothing appears to have been stolen. Two offenders were observed to be travelling in a small blue sedan.
At approximately 2.49am, offenders attempted to gain entry to Cellebrations Mowbray at 262 Invermay Road by reversing a white dual cab utility several times into the front doors of the premises. Significant damage was caused to a roller door and glass window.
At approximately 2.51am, offenders attempted to gain entry to the Mowbray Newsagency at 258 Invermay Road by driving a white utility in to the front of the premises. Significant damage was caused to the front door and windows of the premises.
Between 3am and 3.15am, offenders attended the United Service Station at 4 Golconda Road at Lilydale. CCTV footage shows the offenders preparing to ram the front of the premises in a white dual cab utility, but then driving off.
At approximately 3.30am, police became aware of an incident involving a white dual cab utility at Brooks High School where a vehicle had been driven through Brooks High School from George Town Road, and exiting by driving through a wire fence on Goya Road Newnham.
Investigations have established that this vehicle was a 1989 white Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab, that had been stolen from Punchbowl the previous evening, or in the early hours of Monday 1 April.
Det. Sen. Sgt Parker said that police believed that all of these incidents were linked, and that up to four offenders were involved, including at least one woman of thin build. He said that the Mitsubishi Triton had not been recovered. He said that if anyone has knowledge about these crimes, or the people who committed them to please contact Launceston CIB ON 67773910 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
Media please note:
Det. Sen. Sgt John Parker will be available for interview at 3.30pm today at the back of Launceston Police Station.
