Masked crims raid gel blaster shop in Hermit Park

Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment two thieves used a hammer to break into a business to steal eight gel blaster pistols.

Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment two thieves used a hammer to break into a business to steal eight gel blaster pistols.

Police are investigating after the Tactical Gel Blasters shop was broken into on Charters Towers Rd, Hermit Park about 12.15am on Wednesday.

CCTV footage shows two young male offenders — both masked and dressed in black — using a hammer to shatter the glass of the shop’s front door.

The pair then rush over to smash open a glass cabinet and stashed eight gel blaster pistols — estimated to be worth about $5000 in total — into a black bag before fleeing the scene.

The guns resemble real firearms but only shoot water-filled gel pellets.

The thieves stole eight gel blaster pistols. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Employee Jason Blakeney said the store had also been targeted in February when thieves stole six gel blaster guns.

“Last time it happened about a month later two local service stations got broken into and they had gel blasters,” he said.

CCTV footage shows two masked men breaking into Tactical Gel Blasters and stealing eight gel blaster pistols. Video: Supplied

“I think some people also take them and try to cash them in.

“We’re really big into the sport and so people go and do this it ruins it for everyone.”

Townsville Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd said police will always treat a firearm as legitimate if it looks like a real firearm, until proven otherwise.

“Anyone with a gel blaster should never use it in public in a manner that is likely to cause fear to members of the public given that they can look very similar to a real firearm,” he said.

“If people sight persons with firearms in public they should contact 000 immediately so that police can respond appropriately.”

The break-in is still under police investigation and no arrests had yet been made.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Originally published as Masked crims raid gel blaster shop in Hermit Park