Qld: Raiders in stolen sports cars target businesses

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2006
Qld: Raiders in stolen sports cars target businesses

BRISBANE, Dec 7 AAP - A group of men driving stolen sports cars has broken into a string
of businesses during a two-week crime spree on the Gold Coast, police say.

Acting Detective Inspector Terry Goldsworthy today said about three men driving stolen
Nissan Skylines or Silvia cars had smashed into a variety of businesses and vandalised
them before stealing property and cash.

"The offenders either kick in the front glass doors or use a tyre lever or crowbar
to break the glass to gain entry to the businesses," Insp Goldsworthy said.

"Once inside the men damage computers and equipment before stealing property and cash."

He said businesses affected were in suburbs including Nerang, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh
Heads, Merrimac and Robina.

"There is no type of business being targeted with restaurants, dental clinics, beauty
salons and real estate agents being broken into," Insp Goldsworthy said.

A police spokeswoman could not immediately detail the exact number of businesses targeted
but said seven were hit overnight.

No estimate for the value of the stolen goods and damage has been released.

Police are now examining surveillance vision from the damaged businesses.

AAP jvb/sc/evt/sp

KEYWORD: SPREE

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