Tasmania Police are continuing their investigation into a serious armed robbery at a Coles Bay property on Saturday that left a 76-year-old man with serious injuries and his home destroyed by a deliberately lit fire.
In a statement released Tuesday, Detective Inspector David Gill from the South East CIB said the search for the offenders and the stolen firearms is ongoing. The 76-year-old victim remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition.
Police allege that on Saturday morning, offenders broke into the man’s residence, assaulted him, and stole nine registered firearms from a safe. Tasmania Police said the man was secured with cable ties before the offenders set fire to the house, which was destroyed.
The man’s vehicle, a white 1998 Toyota Hilux, was also stolen at the time of the incident, according to police. The vehicle was later located submerged in the Apsley River and is undergoing forensic examination.
Investigators from South East CIB, Glenorchy CIB, and the Southern Drugs and Firearms Unit are involved in the case. Police have been conducting inquiries in the Coles Bay area, reviewing CCTV footage, and speaking with the public.
Detective Inspector Gill renewed calls for public assistance, asking anyone with information to come forward. Police are particularly interested in any dash cam or CCTV footage that may be relevant, or information regarding the stolen firearms.
Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously.
This story is based on media releases from Tasmania Police. For the full official statement, please visit the Tasmania Police website.