Police use drone to find alleged offenders in thick bush

Technology has helped police nap two men they say fled into bushland, attempting to escape arrest after an alleged, lengthy crime spree across the state.

TWO Hobart men have been arrested after police used a drone to find them in bushland on Tasmania’s West Coast.

Police first spotted the men, aged 39 and 32, travelling on the Lyell Highway near Strahan on Sunday afternoon.

They claim the white van the men were driving was stolen in Hobart the night before.

Police tried to intercept the vehicle but the driver failed to stop.

The van was later found abandoned about five kilometres west of the Zeehan and Lyell Highway intersection, near Queenstown.

Police say the men fled into dense bushland and a manhunt ensued.

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The highway was closed during the operation before a drone located the alleged offenders and they were apprehended.

The pair have been charged with numerous offences including motor vehicle stealing, make off without payment, stealing, drive while disqualified, evade police, contravene conditions of a notice and minor drug offences.

They were last night bailed and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen the incident or noticed a white Mitsubishi Express van in the Queenstown or Strahan area at the weekend.

Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact Strahan Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 000 333 or crimestopperstas.com.au.