INCIDENT 1:

At approximately 1.20pm Tuesday 12 June 2012, in the rear car park of the Beltana Hotel, Lindisfarne, a male offender has left the green 1995 Nissan Pulsar.  He has threatened a  ‘Cash in transit’ officer of a security firm with a firearm and then has removed the cash bag from this officer.  This officer was transiting the cash from the Beltana Hotel to another premises.  No person was injured during the incident.

The offender has then returned to the vehicle where a second person has driven the vehicle from the car park.  The Nissan Pulsar (EK0689)was located a short time later on Natone Street, Lindisfarne.  This vehicle had been stolen from Maple Avenue, Moonah at 745pm on Monday the 11 June 2012.  

The offender who took the money was wearing a black balaclava and light blue disposable overalls.  The firearm appeared to have been shortened.  He is described as being male, 20 to 30 years of age and 5’9” tall.  The vehicle was later recovered at Natone Street, Lindisfarne [near the River’s edge]. 

INCIDENT 2:

On Tuesday the 10 of April 2012 at 0115 hours four offenders have gained entry to the Sorrell Shopping Centre using a stolen Ford Courier Dual Cab Utility, registration number FA9091.  They removed a bollard blocking the entrance to the shopping complex and forced open the automated doors.  They have then removed the ATM. 

The vehicle had been stolen from Norma Street, Howrah earlier that night. 

The ATM was later recovered in the Sorell region.

LINKAGE OF THE TWO INCIDENTS:

There are three points the investigators would like covered in the media:

• Investigators believe that a lot of time and planning went into the commission of both crimes in the weeks leading up to the events.  
• Police would like to talk to anyone who may have seen a silver Nissan Pulsar registration DQ8698 in the car park of the Beltana in the weeks leading up to the robbery.
• Investigators believe that a number of people have benefitted directly from the armed robbery.  These people need to be aware that even though they may not have been involved in committing the robbery they may still be subject to prosecution.

As a result of investigations and enquiries conducted thus far investigators strongly believe that the offenders involved in the Beltana armed robbery also had some involvement in the stealing of the ATM from the Sorell Shopping Centre in April 2012.  

A white 1996 Ford Courier ute was utilised during this ATM stealing and investigators would like to hear from anyone that maybe able to provide information into the whereabouts of this vehicle either prior to the stealing or after.  

Police wish to speak with anyone who can provide information in relation to these incidents.   Information can be given directly to investigators on  (03) 6230 2318 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 (a reward may be paid).