A major investigation is underway following ram raid and arson attacks on two tobacconists in Northern NSW.
A Toyota Corolla sedan stolen from Queensland was rammed into a tobacconist in Tweed Heads South in the early hours of September 22.
Once inside, two men allegedly ransacked the business, destroying several displays before stealing a large amount of cigarettes.
The same store was targeted again just one month later, where the brazen thieves unsuccessfully attempted to set it on fire.
“Police arrived to find a MG SUV had driven into the neighbouring business – as bollards had been placed in front of the tobacconist – before two unknown men poured fuel inside the business and fled without setting it alight,” NSW Police said.
On October 23, emergency services were called to River Street in Ballina, following reports of a building fire.
Upon arrival, officers located a silver Mercedes sedan inside the shopfront of a tobacconist, well alight.
“Police were told the sedan drove into the business before the vehicle caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle leaving the scene prior to police arrival,” NSW Police said.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze; however, the building was extensively damaged along with two other vehicles.
Police have since linked all three incidents and have released CCTV of the two ram raids at the Tweed Heads South tobacconist in the hopes it may help solve the case.
WATCH:
Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
