Detectives have charged a man and seized a firearm, ammunition and illicit drugs as part of an investigation into a series of aggravated break-ins and ram raids, including one where a bobcat was used to steal an ATM in the Riverina.
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Police were called to a shopping complex in Moama, following reports a bobcat had driven through the front doors about 4.30am on February 25.
On arrival, officers found one ATM had been stolen from the premises and another had been extensively damaged.
A crime scene was established, with officers seizing several items relevant to investigation, including a crowbar and a Mitsubishi Triton utility for forensic examination.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Murray River Police District took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Burrandoot.
Strike force investigators are also examining links to an aggravated break-in and theft of an ATM from a licenced premises in Wakool, about 60 kilometres west of Deniliquin, about 2.30am on February 20.
A Toyota Hilux utility, believed to be involved in the Wakool robbery, was later recovered the same day from the Edward River near Deniliquin, along with parts of stolen firearms.
An ATM, firearms and firearm parts believed to have been stolen, were also pulled from the Edward River during a five-day forensic search by strike force investigators last month.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Edwardes Street, Deniliquin on Wednesday.
Detectives located a rifle, a large amount of ammunition, methylamphetamine, ecstasy, drug paraphernalia, and electronic devices. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Deniliquin Police Station, where he was charged with possessing an unregistered firearm, five counts of possessing prohibited articles, not keeping a firearm safe and possessing prohibited drug.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at a Deniliquin court on Tuesday, July 2.
Investigations under Strike Force Burrandoot are continuing, including liaising with Victoria Police.
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Annie Lewis
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
