Police are encouraging business owners to be extra vigilant with security as Launceston CIB investigate three business burglaries in Launceston this morning.

“Police are investigating three business burglaries in Launceston this morning where small supermarkets stocking cigarettes have been targeted and a white ute has been involved,” said Detective Inspector Craig Fox.

Around 1am this morning a white ute attended a small supermarket in Norwood, two men exited the vehicle, forced entry to the store and unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the cigarette locker. Around $2,500 damage was caused to the supermarket.

Around 1.20am a white ute attended a small supermarket in Waverley, a man wearing a camouflage mask was seen acting suspiciously in the area before leaving in a white ute.

At 4.40am two men forced entry to a small supermarket in Longford. Around $2,500 damage was caused to the supermarket and around $4,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen.

“Police would like to assure the community that these matters are taken seriously and the Launceston CIB are following a specific line of enquiry,” said Detective Inspector Craig Fox.

“It’s timely to remind business owners to be extra vigilante with security – thieves are often opportunistic and ensuring your premises are secured and you have cameras can be a strong deterrent.”

“I encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it to police when they see it to enable it to be investigated.”

Anyone with information in relation to the burglaries or suspicious activity can report it to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.