Cash, cigarettes and prescription medicine stolen in multiple ram raids across Canberra

ACT Policing are investigating six ram raids that occurred between 11 April and 19 April. Photo: Supplied.

Cash, cigarettes and prescription medicine have been stolen from stores across Canberra in a series of six ram raids that ACT Policing believe are linked.

Service stations, convenience and grocery stores from Wanniassa to Gungahlin were targeted in the early hours of the morning between 11 April and 19 April:

• Sunday 11 April 2021 at about 3:50 am – ANU Grocery Store, Acton
• Monday 12 April 2021 at about 3:00 am – chemist, Higgins Shops
• Sunday 18 April 2021 at about 3:30 am – service station, Deakin (an attempt where nothing was taken)
• Sunday 18 April 2021 about 4:00 am – service station, Wanniassa
• Monday 19 April 2021 at about 1:30 am – convenience store, Springbank Rise
• and Monday 19 April 2021 at about 1:00 am – cigarette store, Jamison Shops.

All the shops were closed at the time.

Police believe that a maroon Ford Territory and a silver Hyundai Elantra were used to conduct the raids. The cars, which police say were stolen, have been recovered by police and are being forensically examined.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller, who is in charge of criminal investigations, said no one has been arrested in relation to the burglaries.

“There is significant damage to the retail premises and also to the vehicles they are using,” he said.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller urged the perpetrators to come forward. Photo: Region Media.

“In comparison to the damage they are causing, the actual property they are taking is [of] far less value. It is not that lucrative for them, but that is how [they] conduct these offences.

“We do get a spike of these incidents every now and then, but we try and prevent these incidents with our patrol crafts.”

Detective Superintendent Moller said businesses could invest in CCTV and front door security to try to prevent ram raids.

Anyone with information about these incidents, including any recent offers of cheap cigarettes or prescription medications, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Original Article published by Dominic Giannini on The RiotACT.