Three alleged thieves have rammed a vehicle into The Friendly Grocer in Yorkeys Knob, making off with a quantity of cigarettes. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, prompting a police investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the offenders used a stolen car to smash through the front roller door of the convenience store located on the Captain Cook Highway. Once inside, they grabbed several cartons of cigarettes before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle. The car was later found abandoned in a nearby suburb.
The store owner, who declined to be named, described the damage as extensive. The roller door was destroyed, and the interior of the shop sustained significant damage. This is not the first time the business has been targeted by thieves, with the owner expressing frustration at the repeated incidents.
Police Investigation
Police have cordoned off the area to conduct forensic examinations. Officers are reviewing security footage from the store and nearby businesses to identify the suspects. The stolen vehicle, a white Holden Commodore, was located in Manunda later that morning. It is believed to have been used in the ram raid.
Detective Senior Constable Mark Smith said the offenders acted with blatant disregard for safety. “This type of offending is dangerous and can have serious consequences. We are urging anyone with information to come forward,” he said.
Community Concerns
Local residents have expressed concern over the rise in property crime in the area. The Friendly Grocer is a popular local business, and many residents rely on it for daily essentials. One resident, who lives nearby, said she heard a loud bang around 3:30 a.m. and saw a car speeding away. “It’s frightening to think they would do this in a residential area,” she said.
Yorkeys Knob Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Jenny Brown said the community is working closely with police to improve security. “We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity and to ensure their own properties are secure,” she said.
Appeal for Information
Police have released images of the stolen vehicle and are appealing for anyone who saw the car in the hours before or after the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. They are also interested in any dashcam footage from the area around the time of the ram raid.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
