Sunshine Coast, Noosa break ins spark manhunt

Police are investigating a string of break ins across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast after a stolen car used to break into businesses was found burnt out at a Mountain Creek school car park. See the video

A Volvo hatchback used in a string of break ins at Noosa and Sunshine Coast businesses was stolen from a Brisbane home in December, 2022, it has been revealed.

Police released video footage of the break ins on January 23, which targeted four businesses in Tewantin, Coolum Beach, Buderim and Buderim Park early on January 22.

According to police, the trio first smashed a Poinciana Ave business’ window just before 2.30am on January 22, but were unable to get into the business and left the scene in a white Volvo XC40 hatchback.

The trio then used an axe to smash the windows at a Birtwill St tobacconist at Coolum Beach at 2.50am, but fled the scene after being unable to access locked cabinets.

Sunshine Coast police are investigating a string of break ins across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast on January 22.

Ten minutes later at 3am, the group used the Volvo to reverse into the doors of a King St service station at Buderim, filled rubbish bins with tobacco products and fled the scene.

At 3.40am, they tried to break into a Mill Rd supermarket at Buderim Park, but failed and left the scene.

The Volvo was later found burnt out in a Mountain Creek primary school car park at 4am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said the getaway car had been stolen from a Brisbane property in December 2022, along with a Porsche which had since been recovered.

Sergeant Mansfield said police suspected the trio were travelling in a “convoy”, having managed to leave the scene of the torched vehicle.

Maroochydore Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said police suspected the three people were travelling in a “convoy”, having managed to flee the scene of the torched Volvo. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

“They’ve caused a lot of damage to these businesses, local business owners; I mean one of those doors, especially around Buderim, one of those is worth around $16,000,” he said.

Tobacco products are often sold on the black market, Sergeant Mansfield said, which police suspected is what motivated the thieves.

“Cigarettes are expensive, so being sold on the black market they’re a lot cheaper to purchase,” he said.

Police said initial investigations showed all break ins were linked, and are appealing for public assistance to help with investigations.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents, or the car involved, are urged to contact police.