Police are hunting a group of five perpetrators responsible for a spate of 37 “senseless and opportunistic” burglaries in Perth between Christmas night and Wednesday morning.
The gang appears to be active at night and in the early morning hours and has looted businesses and homes in Lathlain, Leederville, Clarkson, Victoria Park, Currambine and North Perth.
Most of the offenders targeted commercial properties, with the thieves – apparently looking for money – seizing the tills but leaving other goods untouched.
At least three homes were also broken into, with three vehicles stolen and used in subsequent crimes.
The burglars entered the homes by making their way through windows and glass doors.
CCTV has captured five different individuals at different crime scenes, but their identities have been hidden by clothing covering their faces.
Detective Acting Sergeant Adam Fuller, of the speedy apprehension squad, said police threw “considerable resources” at the burglaries “to solve this case quickly.”
“While thankfully no one was injured or confronted by these individuals, these events are causing serious damage within the community,” he said.
“Most of the properties at the moment all seem to be commercial properties that are clearly not occupied at the same time.
“It is believed that the majority of offenses are committed somewhere between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m..”
The thieves appeared to randomly select strips of businesses and then used force to gain access to a number of closely spaced properties.
There is no estimate of the total value of the stolen cash, but Sergeant Fuller said many of the captured cash registers contained little or no cash.
Police have yet to identify the sexes, ages, heights or other distinguishing features of the perpetrators, but Sergeant Fuller said CCTV from “several locations” showed the group “cooperating” and that vehicles stolen from homes were also found in a number of places. places were marked. the companies.
“It is believed that the perpetrators are making a concerted effort to cover their faces,” he said.
“That’s not using masks or anything, just using clothing to cover their ID.”
Sergeant Fuller said the insults seemed “pointless and opportunistic” and that without police arresting the quintet, it was “unknown … how long this could go on”.
He said the offense targeted vacant homes or businesses and police were not concerned about the escalating crime wave with confrontational and potentially violent robberies.
“The safety of the community is absolutely paramount, especially at this time of year during the holiday season,” Sergeant Fuller said.
“Obviously it’s detrimental to everyone, especially those who have worked hard to have this time of year off.”
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage relevant to the crime wave is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.