Police are urgently seeking public assistance after a firearm and ammunition were allegedly stolen from an unmarked police vehicle.
The incident happened during a break-in at a Townsville apartment on early Sunday morning.
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Around 3:30am, four offenders reportedly arrived at the complex on Wills Street in a silver Holden Commodore with false number plates.
They allegedly broke into five vehicles, including the police vehicle, gaining access to the secured firearm and ammunition.
The group then stole a black BMW sedan and fled the scene in the stolen car.
Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said police are working to identify the offenders and retrieve the stolen items.
“A firearm is always a significant concern in public hands. While we have not identified an increased risk to the public, we are working diligently to address this incident,” he said.
Police have not disclosed details about the stolen firearm for operational reasons.
They are also investigating how the offenders breached the firearm’s security.
However, they do not believe the police vehicle was specifically targeted or that the crime involved juveniles.
Authorities are urging anyone who sees the vehicles or has relevant dash cam or CCTV footage to contact PoliceLink or Crime Stoppers immediately.
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