Carnarvon IGA, Gascoyne Office Equipment ram-raided by stolen vehicle, later found burnt

Two businesses have been ram-raided by a stolen vehicle which was later found burnt, leaving the residents of the northern town troubled by crime reeling. About 1.10am on Monday, a stolen Nissan Pathfinder was driven into the side entrance of Carnarvon Fresh IGA on Robinson Street in East Carnarvon. The occupants of the vehicle, whom police have not yet found, stole cash and fled the scene, and then proceeded to ram-raid another business, the Gascoyne Office Equipment store on Camel Lane about 2.30am. There they stole several mobile phones and other electrical devices, as well as an amount of cash, before fleeing the store. A WA Police spokesperson said it was believed the same vehicle was involved in both incidents after it was stolen from the Capricorn Holiday Park in Brown Range on Sunday. The Nissan was later found burnt on Tonkin Crescent in Brockman. The incident comes after Premier Mark McGowan raised the possibility of alcohol restrictions being implemented in the Gascoyne town following his visit where he spoke with community leaders about the urgent need to address rising crime late last month. Facebook posts from businesses showing their damaged properties garnered threats of vigilantism from followers, as well as comments of despair from locals who have had enough of antisocial behaviour and crime plaguing their town. “Time for the cops to release the names and addresses, so the community can sort it out themselves,” one user commented. “Maybe Carnarvon, it’s time to ACT. Government won’t do anything, courts won’t, police can’t. So, it’s up to the community I think and seriously something needs to be done or we will be the same as Alice Springs,” another wrote. “(We) won’t have any businesses in town the way things are going,” lamented another. Police urge anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam relating to the above incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.