Police investigations continue into an aggravated armed robbery and arson at Coles Bay on Saturday morning (11 July).
Detectives from South East CIB, with support from other investigative areas, have conducted numerous inquiries in the Coles Bay, and southern Tasmania areas, over the past five days.
“We have received a significant amount of information from members of the public and we continue to review those reports to identify the offenders responsible,” Detective Inspector David Gill said.
“So far, more than 20 searches have been conducted between Coles Bay and the greater Hobart area.
“Two unlawful firearms have been recovered during these searches. Analysis of these firearms continues, but they are not believed to be linked to the firearms stolen from Coles Bay.
“It remains a concern to investigators that we have not received information pertaining to the possible location of those firearms stolen last Saturday.
“Illegal firearms, in the wrong hands, represent a significant threat in the community,” Inspector Gill said.
A 76-year-old man assaulted during the armed robbery at the rural property on Coles Bay Road remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition and continues to assist investigators.
Police believe two masked men broke into the house on Saturday morning where they assaulted the homeowner, forcing him to reveal a firearms safe, before he was tied up and dragged outside. The home was set alight and a Hilux utility stolen.
The stolen vehicle was recovered later Saturday, partially submerged under the Apsley River Bridge near the Tasman Highway and has since undergone forensic testing.
Police have repeated their call for anyone with information on the incident, or who is aware of suspicious behaviour or vehicle activity on Coles Bay Road and the Tasman Highway around 5am on Saturday, to contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000.
