At 03:20am on Wednesday 15 February 2017, police were alerted to a burglary and stealing of a business in George Town.

At the time a white Holden Rodeo was being used by thieves to reverse into the shop front of Freddie’s Tobacconist situated at 34 Macquarie Street.

The vehicle has caused substantial damage to the building estimated to be in excess of $20,000.

A second vehicle believed to be a white Nissan Pulsar was also involved in the crime.

Police believe that four masked offenders using those vehicles have entered the business and stolen a large quantity of cigarettes, lighters, pipes and other associated property.

Both vehicles are suspected to have been stolen from the Launceston area over the last few days.

Police are also investigating a further theft from a business in Victoria Street, George Town, where gates were rammed during the early hours to gain access to a yard and several vehicles were broken into and more property stolen.

Police believe that these two incidents may be linked.

Anyone with information in relation to these crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (this can be done anonymously) or Tasmania Police on 131 444.