POLICE are investigating an overnight armed robbery at Mood Food New Norfolk, during which staff members were threatened with a shortened firearm and cash stolen.
Police officers at Berriedale were threatened with a similar weapon a short time later and believe the two incidents to be related.
Detective Inspector Dave Wiss said police had responded to reports of an armed robbery at Mood Food, New Norfolk (formerly Caltex), at about 2am today, where two men entered the premises and made demands for cash while one threatened two staff members with a shortened firearm.
“Both men had their faces covered and left the scene on foot with a quantity of cash,” Inspector Wiss said. “A short time later, Glenorchy Police attempted to intercept a silver Toyota hatch – registration DH7421 – on Berriedale Rd, Berriedale,” he said.
The New Norfolk Mood Food outlet which was robbed this morning. |
“The driver refused to stop and one of the passengers of the car pointed a shortened firearm at the officers. The car was found alight in Jackson Stt, Glenorchy about half an hour later. It’s likely the two incidents are related,” he said.
“Police are continuing to investigate and anyone who has information in relation to the robbery, or who saw the Toyota hatch being driven overnight is urged to come forward. No injuries were reported from either incident.”
The same business was subjected to two armed hold-ups in 1993, which resulted in three men being jailed.
Anyone with information about this morning’s incident can contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.