About 2.35am on Sunday 6 December 2015 a Toyota Hilux was reported stolen from an address in Ravenswood.  Within 25 minutes of the vehicle being reported stolen, responding police located the vehicle travelling east on the Tasman Highway at Waverley.

Police attempted to intercept the vehicle but it failed to stop for them and continued travelling away from Launceston.  Police followed the vehicle, out past Myrtle Park and onto a narrow track.

As the track narrowed, the Hilux suddenly reversed at speed towards the police vehicle, ramming it twice, and allowing the offender the opportunity to escape into the bush.

The police vehicle was extensively damaged and will be off the road while repairs are undertaken.

It has been the second ramming of a police vehicle in less than two weeks.

Importantly no police officers were injured during the incident.

“Policing is by its very nature, a high risk occupation, but actions like this increase that risk level substantially,” said Inspector Michael Johnston.

Anyone with any information as to the identity and location of the offender should call Tasmania Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.