Arabic version: لصوص قيدوا رجلاً وسرقوا تسعة أسلحة ومركبة وأحرقوا منزلاً

Police are investigating an early-morning burglary on Tasmania’s east coast in which a man was bound with cable ties, nine firearms and a vehicle were taken, and the house was set alight. According to ABC News, emergency services were called to a house fire at Coles Bay about 7am on Saturday and found the homeowner had been tied up and dragged outside by offenders.

Initial inquiries by Tasmania Police indicated two men wearing face coverings and armed with crowbars entered the home at about 5am. They allegedly assaulted the man, demanded access to a firearms safe and stole nine firearms, cash and the man’s car. Police say the offenders then set the house on fire before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector David Gill said anyone with information should contact police, in particular if they have seen the victim’s allegedly stolen vehicle. Police described the vehicle as a white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab fitted with a red Hiab crane, three spotlights and a light bar, and released a photo of the vehicle as part of the investigation. Detective Inspector Gill said, “Although we are in the early stages of the investigation, police believe this incident is targeted.”

Coles Bay, near Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast, is a popular township for tourists. The combination of multiple firearms being stolen, the alleged assault of the homeowner and the destruction of the house by fire has prompted an active police response and a public appeal for information.

Police said they believe the incident was targeted and their investigations are ongoing. Authorities have asked anyone who saw the vehicle or suspicious activity in the area early on the morning of the burglary to come forward to assist enquiries.

Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Victoria | Tasmania