Police close in on theives after spike in business break ins

More than a dozen businesses have been targeted across Toowoomba in the past five days, as police reveal the tactics crims are using to gain entry and steal thousands of dollars of goods.

Police are urging business owners and managers to take extra precautions when locking up at night after more than a dozen Toowoomba shops were hit by thieves.

Toowoomba Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said 14 businesses had been broken into since Saturday.

“The offenders appear to be looking for cash,” he said.

“Significant damage has been done by offenders breaking glass windows and doors to gain entry to the businesses.”

The offenders appear to favour small shopping complexes where they can force entry to several shops in a row.

In a somewhat unusual development, the offenders have singled out hair salons where they have forced entry and stolen hair care products including hairdressing tools like scissors and rollers.

Toowoomba thieves have hit 14 stores in the past five days, including Zigbis Hair and Beauty salon.

“There have been at least five break-ins in recent months,” Sgt McCusker said.

“Police are confident they are aware of the persons involved in those offences and are attempting to locate them.”

The offences have occurred at the Tower Shopping Centre, the South Town Shopping Centre and several stand-alone stores.

On Tuesday evening, thieves forced their way into the Kingfisher Cafe about 11pm.

Sgt McCusker said they had been disturbed by an alarm and left empty-handed.

On Monday night, offenders attempted to force entry to a South Town Shopping Centre business.

Luckily, they only got access to a storeroom, and again they left empty-handed.

On the same night, the Downs Fresh Fruit and Vegetables store on Drayton Road was hit.

Investigators believe the thieves used a Nissan Maxima as the getaway vehicle.

Sgt McCusker said it had been stolen from a Middle Ridge home on Sunday after thieves entered the home and stole unsecured keys.

Toowoomba Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker urged business owners to take extra steps in securing their properties.

The vehicle was later dumped in Darling Heights on Tuesday afternoon.

He urged the public to take their security seriously.

“We encourage business owners to not leave cash in their premises overnight,” Sgt McCusker said.

“If they leave their tills open and empty they will reduce the chance of offenders forcing entry to them.

“They should also ensure they have security alarms and cameras in good working order.”

“If they don’t then they are welcoming criminals to cause them greater heartache.”

Report suspicious vehicles and behaviour by phoning Triple-0, Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000.