Thieves ram-raid Bargara pharmacy
A BARGARA pharmacy was broken into for the sixth time in three years after a group of thieves ram-raided the store in a stolen vehicle early yesterday.
Bundaberg police Sergeant Steve Schultz said the group ploughed a white Mazda ute - which had been reported stolen early Tuesday morning from Bundaberg West - into the shopfront of Pharmacy Central just after 3am.
"They drove into the double glass electronic doors, causing the doors to shatter," he said.
"The offenders have entered the store, but it's unclear what property has been stolen."
Sgt Shultz said it was believed the group of thieves was after cold and flu tablets that contained pseudoephedrine - a key ingredient used in the production of methylamphetamine.
"That's generally what they break into chemists for," he said.
Sgt Shultz said the stolen vehicle was then driven to another part of Bargara Central shopping centre, where they ram-raided a Commonwealth Bank ATM.
"They've hit a protective bollard and caused extensive damage to the ATM," he said.
Sgt Shultz said witnesses indicated there may have been two cars involved in the crime spree.
"The (ute) was located 4km from the scene on Bargara Rd," he said.
It is believed the engine was damaged following the ram-raid at the complex.
Staff at the pharmacy spent most of the morning cleaning up the shattered glass, and a security guard kept watch over the ATM until it was repaired.
Sgt Shultz said the group was caught on CCTV footage, which was still being examined by the Criminal Investigation Branch.
It was the sixth time the pharmacy has been targeted by thieves since 2009, and the second time this year.
Sgt Shultz said prior to yesterday's ram-raid, thieves had tried to break into the chemist in February.
CHEMIST HIT
- February 19, 2012
- December 20, 2011
- May 31, 2010
- January 5, 2010
- November 4, 2009
