Police are seeking public assistance to identify a van and up to four people who may be able to assist with their investigations into a string of break ins targeting chemists and medical businesses across the Gold Coast.
It will be alleged two offenders have broken into multiple businesses between July 14 and August 20, fleeing each time with easily transportable and resaleable items.
In one offence, just after 2am on July 14, two offenders have smashed the front window of a chemist on Vaughan Drive in Ormeau, damaging shelving and stock before fleeing with a quantity of men’s fragrances.
Around 3.30am that same day, two offenders with similar descriptions broke into an optometrist on Fairfield Road in Yeronga through the front windows before fleeing with a quantity of stock, including lenses.
Around 4.20am on Saturday July 22, two people smashed the window of a chemist on Nexus Drive in Pimpama before breaking into the fragrance cabinet and decamping in a white van.
Then around 1.30am on August 12, a man and woman broke into the same chemist on Nexus Drive in Pimpama using a crowbar before smashing the fragrance cabinets and loading bins with a quantity of products.
The offenders were wearing hoodies, masks and gloves, before also fleeing in a white van.
Furthermore, the earlier chemist on Vaughan Drive in Ormeau was targeted again on August 16, where the offenders smashed the front door, but left empty handed.
And finally, there was a third break in at the chemist on Nexus Drive in Pimpama around 2.30am on Sunday, August 20, where the offenders smashed the front door, before taking off with a quantity of medication.
The offenders likely used the same white Toyota Hiace van in all these offences, but small changes were made between thefts, including removing distinctive black roof racks and differing number plates.
The van is possibly a 2006 model and at times has been sighted with New South Wales number plates attached. Officers are also investigating if it is linked to several fuel drive offs across the region.
Anyone with information about the break ins, or who might be able to assist with identifying the van or people, are urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
