Alleged thieves cause ‘significant’ damage to Oakey business

Police have taken two men into custody after they allegedly used a stolen vehicle to smash through a gate and led police on a chase through the Darling Downs.

Toowoomba police have arrested two men who they suspect are responsible for a ram raid on an Oakey business in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police allege the two men entered the TyreRight yard by cutting a hole in the rear fence and gained access to a Toyota HiLux and a Hino 300 Series light truck about 4am.

“They then drove through a locked gate, causing significant damage,” Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said.

This Hino 300 Series light truck was stolen from TyreRight in Oakey, about 4am on May 24, 2023. It remains at large.

The offenders, aged 19 and 28, were observed in the HiLux north of Toowoomba a few hours later and police were able to track them through the district before making an arrest at Charlton about 11am.

Police are yet to formally process the alleged offenders but it is understood they will be charged with the TyreRight break in and other recent property offences in the Darling Downs.

The HiLux was recovered but the Hino is still at large.

It has distinctive orange and white markings and has the TyreRight business names on its side and front panels.

Anyone who observes it should phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.