Tasmania Police: Jewellery, power tools, electrical items taken in spate of thefts police say

Police say a distinct and uncommon pattern of burglaries and stealing offences has occurred in Kingston over the past 10 days. Here’s the details.

Tasmanian Police. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

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Spate of burglaries bucks recent downward crime trend: police

October 19: A series of burglaries in the Kingston area have been described as distinct and uncommon by police.

The most recent incident occurred on Friday with officers believing a sound system and jewellery were stolen from a home on Hutchins St between 8am and 4.30pm.

Police said two burglaries occurred at Tinderbox this week.

They alleged a shed was broken into and power tools stolen overnight into Wednesday morning, while in a separate incident electrical items were stolen in a home burglary on Tinderbox Rd between working hours, police confirmed.

Also overnight into Thursday morning, police said a vehicle was broken into on Wells Parade, Blackmans Bay with a credit card and gift voucher stolen.

Earlier, on Wednesday October 9, officer said two home burglaries targeted jewellery.

One on Garnett St, Blackmans Bay in the afternoon, and another sometime between 8am and 8pm which also stole a laptop, police said.

Inspector Colin Riley said there had been a significant drop in total offences in the area of 32 per cent compared to the same time last year.

“There has, however, been a distinct and uncommon pattern of burglaries and stealing in the area over the past two weeks, and police are investigating,” he said.

“Investigators are seeking any information from the public that might assist with apprehending the person or people responsible for these matters.

“Importantly, police are requesting that members of the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police, particularly in these areas.

“We are confident that we will apprehend this offender or offenders and bring this crime pattern to a conclusion quickly.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Boy charged with damaging Metro bus

OCTOBER 18: A 12-year-old boy is one of four people charged in relation to recent damage on Metro buses in southern Tasmania.

Police say the boy has been charged over several matters including allegedly damaging a Metro bus on Wednesday.

Inspector John Klug said a 13-year-old boy had also been charged over an alleged incident involving a bus on October 5 and a 15-year-old youth and an 18-year-old man will be proceeded against for allegedly damaging a Metro bus on October 8.

“Tasmania Police has dedicated officers who work closely with Metro Tasmania, and we will continue to detect and deter anti-social behaviours and damage to Metro buses,” Inspector Klug said.

He urged anyone who witnesses anti-social or illegal behaviours to contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 and said information can be provided anonymously.

Earlier this month Metro again suspended bus services to Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove following recent rock-throwing incidents in the area.

Metro announced on social media that services would be suspended until further notice to “prioritise the safety of our customers and bus drivers”.

Kmart complex damaged by electrical fire

October 17: Fire investigators have deemed an electrical fire at Kmart Coles complex in Launceston an accident, a TFS spokesperson said.

Crews arrived in the early hours of the morning to find the alarms and sprinklers activated at the Racecourse Cres facility.

It took a couple hours to extinguish, with crews working with police overnight on fire watch, a spokesperson said.

The incident caused $50k worth of damage.

Firearms, cash, drugs allegedly found in crashed car

October 15: Charges have been laid after police allege a search after a Ford Falcon crashed uncovered cash, drugs and a loaded firearm at Chigwell on Monday.

Inspector Mark Burke said emergency services were reportedly alerted to the incident after the vehicle allegedly crashed into a residential fence on Coraki St.

“The man was drug tested at the scene and returned a positive result before he and the vehicle were searched, with police locating a quantity of ammunition, cash, illicit drugs and a firearm and magazine,” Inspector Burke said.

“Detectives from Bridgewater and Glenorchy then conducted a search of the man’s Glenorchy residence alongside officers from the Southern Drug and Firearms unit, locating large quantities of prescription medications, methylamphetamine, steroids and cash.

“Officers also located a loaded firearm, a magazine and ammunition at the property.”

Police said the 25-year-old man had been charged with several drugs, firearms and family violence offences and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

Man exposed himself in public in broad daylight, police say

October 14: Police say a 41-year-old man exposed himself in public in broad daylight in Hobart last week.

It was about 10:40am on Friday when the man, from Hobart, allegedly exposed himself to members of the public.

He’s been charged with two counts of prohibited behaviour.

“With the assistance of CCTV, the alleged offender and his whereabouts were quickly identified,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

“Police were able to quickly locate him and take him into custody.”

Anyone who witnessed the alleged act, who has not spoken to police yet, is urged to contact the Hobart City police station on 131 444.