Police say preservation of life is most important during robbery

Following a spate of armed robberies in Toowoomba, Darling Downs police have released advice for members of the public who are confronted by violent offenders.

If you are confronted by armed intruders, think of your own safety first and that of your families.

That may mean complying with the offenders’ demand for valuables and car keys.

This is the advice that Darling Downs police issues after a spate of armed robberies across the Garden City and surrounds.

“Armed robberies can be traumatic for those involved and could have a significant impact on the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others involved,” Senior Constable Belinda Elks said.

“If your safety is threatened, do what you think will best preserve your safety, which could include running away, screaming, calling for assistance, or negotiating with the offender.”

The key is to remain calm, keep space between yourself and the offender and only use physical defence as a last resort.

“If someone threatens you and tries to steal your possessions, the safest option is to surrender the items, take note of the offender’s description and immediately report the incident to police when safe to do so,” Const Belinda Elks

“Note the features of the offenders, including clothing, scars, tattoos, height, hair colour, accent and speech and any weapons.

“For evidentiary purposes, remember what the offender has touched and avoid touching it yourself.”

Toowoomba police are searching for three offenders who entered a Merrol Street home about 12pm on Saturday armed with a baseball bat, a plank of wood and what appeared to be a firearm.

They demanded the keys to a VW Golf sedan and a 2010 midnight grey BMW 528i and fled the scene.

Both vehicles have since been recovered and are subject to a forensic examination.

In an unrelated incident, a group of four teen boys forced their way into a Kearneys Spring home about 4.45am on Monday where they attempted to steal two vehicles but were confronted by the owner.

Police have arrested two of the boys as the investigation continues.

If you are robbed, Const Elks recommends you phone Triple-0, tell the operator what happened and what direction the attackers fled in.

“If you observe suspicious or threatening behaviour, contact police immediately,” she said.