Police have deployed additional resources into the Goondiwindi area following a string of property crime incidents over the last three days.
Initial investigations indicate a group of unknown offenders have been targeting motels and private properties in the area between August 15 and August 17, stealing vehicles and abandoning them over the border.
In one instance, at approximately 5am on August 17, the group gained entry to a room at an accommodation business along Phar Lap Court.
They threatened the occupant of the room and pushed her before stealing her handbag, car keys and a silver Mazda with the Queensland registration YKY71U.
A 75-year-old woman sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.
The car remains outstanding.
A short time later, at approximately 5.20am, the same group attended a property in the vicinity of Veronica Avenue where they gained entry and threatened two occupants with a machete.
They demanded car keys and fled in a stolen Ford Mustang with the Queensland registration 264EQ4.
The vehicle remains outstanding.
The occupants were not physically injured as a result of the incident.
Police are investigating these incidents, as well as similar reports made on August 15 and August 16 involving a stolen Mitsubishi ASX, Hilux and a Lexus.
All three vehicles were later located abandoned in Boggabilla, New South Wales.
All incidents are believed to be linked.
Acting Inspector Paula Smithard said extra police resources are being deployed to help deter and stop the crime.
“We want to reassure the community that we are working around the clock to find and charge these property offenders.
“We have police units from South Burnett, Warwick, Drayton, and Highfields helping with extra patrols in the area.
“The Tactical Crime Squad and the Dog Squad are also assisting.
“Investigations indicate this group is specifically targeting motels and accommodation businesses, but a few private properties have been targeted as well.
“In some of these instances, the offenders are reported to be armed with large knives.
“Locals in the area are reminded to check their property’s security and take extra safety precautions during this time,” Acting Inspector Smithard said.
Anyone with information or relevant vision relating to the incidents is urged to contact police.
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