Detectives have executed four interstate search warrants as they continue to investigate a series of aggravated break-ins and ram raids, including one where a bobcat was used to steal an automatic teller machine (ATM), in the state’s south.
Police were called to a shopping complex in Moama, following reports a bobcat had driven through the front doors about 4.30am on Monday 25 February 2019.
On arrival, officers found one ATM had been stolen from the premises and another had been extensively damaged.
A crime scene was established, with officers seizing several items relevant to investigation, including a crowbar and a Mitsubishi Triton utility for forensic examination.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Murray River Police District took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Burrandoot.
Strike force investigators are also examining links to an aggravated break-in and theft of an ATM from a licenced premises in Wakool, about 60km west of Deniliquin, about 2.30am on Wednesday 20 February 2019.
A Toyota Hilux utility, believed to be involved in the Wakool robbery, was later recovered the same day from the Edward River near Deniliquin, along with parts of stolen firearms.
An ATM, firearms and firearm parts believed to have been stolen, were also pulled from the Edward River during a five-day forensic search by strike force investigators last month.
Following further inquiries, detectives, with the assistance of Victoria Police, executed three search warrants at homes and a storage facility in Shepparton and a fourth search warrant at a home in Ash Street, Echuca, yesterday (Monday 3 June 2019).
Investigators located a rifle, ammunition, an electronic stun device and two mobile phones. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, continued to call on the public to come forward with information that may assist investigators.
“We have been working closely with our Victoria Police counterparts and will continue to liaise closely with them as the investigation continues,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“Our investigators have seized several items during the course of this investigation that are undergoing forensic examination.
“As we await those results, we continue to call on the community to tell us what they know. It’s only a matter of time before we catch up with the thugs who carried out these brazen acts but information from community can help us get that little bit closer to an arrest.”
Investigations under Strike Force Burrandoot are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Burrandoot investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
