Goondiwindi police launch investigation after six vehicles stolen overnight

Thieves have used a stolen 4WD to destroy a council depot gate at the start of a long night of vandalism, burglary, arson and reckless disregard for road safety.

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Thieves destroyed four vehicles and made off with a fifth after they carved a path of destruction across Goondiwindi in the early hours of Monday morning.

Goondiwindi Police Station officer-in-charge Richard McIntosh said they forced entry to the Goondiwindi Regional Council depot about 9pm on Sunday and stole a Ford Ranger.

The thieves drove the council-owned 4WD through the depot’s closed gate before taking it on a joy ride, dumping it and breaking into two homes.

A second Ford Ranger was stolen from a Darling Street address and a BMW X3 was taken from a Bowen Street address.

“The BMW was observed on Boundary Road, where it has evaded police,” Sgt McIntosh said.

“It has then been involved in multiple pursuits and evasion offences with NSW police in Boggabilla and Moree.”

Police found one of the Rangers submerged in the Macintryre River after it was dumped sometime on Monday morning.

Sgt McIntosh said it was found alongside a Toyota Corolla that was reported stolen on Friday.

The second Ranger and a fourth vehicle that was stolen from Casino were found burnt out at Toomelah.

The BMW remains at large.

Sgt McIntosh said police were looking for at least three thieves who were observed in the BMW when it evaded police, but he suspected more people were involved.

Anyone with information for police, including dashcam footage, should phone Policelink on 131 44 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.