source : the age
Police have conceded they almost caught one of the thieves involved in an early morning ram-raid at a luxury, designer store in Brisbane’s CBD, before they escaped in a getaway car.
Thieves used a stolen white Mercedes SUV to ram through the front of the Hermès Brisbane store, located on the corner of Edward and Elizabeth streets, shortly after 3am on Easter Monday.
Two other vehicles immediately arrived at the scene in what appeared to be a well-planned operation.
Three unidentified offenders loaded items from the high-end store, including handbags, jewellery and clothing worth thousands of dollars, into the second vehicle.
“The offenders left in a third vehicle, with both vehicles leaving the scene,” police said in a statement.
“The Mercedes was abandoned at the scene and is currently undergoing forensic examination.”
Senior Sergeant Leonie Scott spoke to media outside the store on Monday, and said she believed three to five people were likely responsible for the heist. They were wearing facemasks and may have also had gloves.
Scott said police almost caught one of the offenders before they managed to get into one of the getaway cars. She could not elaborate on the near-arrest, saying she needed to review footage from the officer’s body-worn camera.
“It was a very quick entry and a quick exit,” she said.
“Police were very quickly on the scene, and we were very close to apprehending one of them, however, they managed to evade [us].
“I understand the officers did some excellent work.”
Police did not pursue the group of thieves, but Scott said the offenders may have fled south across the Story Bridge.
“We’re appealing to the public that, if they see any high-end Hermès items advertised or for sale on social media sites or selling platforms, could they please ring Crime Stoppers,” Scott said.
The Mercedes was stolen from a Coorparoo house, on Brisbane’s southside, on April 1.
She added she thought it was “unusual” for a store to be targeted during Easter, and the thieves may have been hoping to exploit the quiet holiday period.
Forensic police, security contractors and cleaners were at the Hermès on Monday morning.
Firefighters had erected scaffolding to hold up the smashed window and provide structural integrity to the building.
Images inside suggested some glass cabinets may have been damaged, but not broken.
Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or has CCTV from the scene, was urged to contact police.
Hermès, a French luxury brand, sells handbags, scarves, jewellery, watches and perfume.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
