Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage in series of armed robberies

CRIME




Police are appealing for witnesses, including dashcam vision, of several vehicles believed to have travelled through the Port Douglas and Mossman area last week.

The vehicles were allegedly involved in a series of armed robberies and a traffic crash at Smithfield on Friday, 29 May.

A silver 2016 Toyota Landcruiser (GAU 86), a silver 2014 Mercedes Benz B200 (144 TUU) and a red 2001 Toyota Landcruiser utility (361 TKF) were believed to have been travelling around Mutchilba, Arriga, Mossman, Mount Molloy, Port Douglas and Smithfield between 7:00am and 9:00am on 29 May.

Anyone who has dashcam footage of the vehicles is urged to contact police.

Three people were arrested on Friday in relation to the vehicles after police observed the Landcruiser, that was stolen during an alleged armed robbery in Mutchilba, travelling south along the Captain Cook Highway at Craiglie.

The vehicle was followed by an unmarked police car south towards Smithfield where a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed at Ellis Beach.

The Landcruiser continued along the Captain Cook Highway before entering the closed road section of a worksite where it struck a pile of sand bags, causing the vehicle to launch through the air and collide with the rear of a parked tip truck.

Police assisted two men and a woman from the wreckage and the trio were transported to hospital with injuries ranging from cuts and abrasions to fractures.

A 32-year-old male passenger of the vehicle from Westcourt was charged with seven offences including three counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs and one count of armed robbery with violence.

The charges relate to an alleged break-in on 25 May where two vehicles were stolen from and Earlville address, and an incident at a Mutchilba residence on 29 May where a man was allegedly robbed by three men armed with a machete.

The alleged driver of the Landcruiser, a 27-year-old Mooroobool Man underwent treatment in hospital and is assisting police in relation to a number of alleged drug, robbery and vehicle theft offences.

A 28-year-old Bouganvillea woman alleged to have been a passenger in the stolen car also underwent treatment following the crash and is assisting police with inquiries.

In addition, a 40-year-old Mareeba man was also charged today in relation with the above, with armed robbery, trespass, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter with intent and obstruct police.


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