Move FM Regional news

ORANGE, Central West, NSW, Australia – A manhunt is underway in the state’s Central West for a man wearing a black cape and mask who has been targeting businesses across the region.

“Police are appealing for information to identify a man as investigations continue into a string of break-ins targeting businesses in the state’s Central West,” a police statement issued Thursday said.

“Strike Force Naimo was established by Central West Police District’s Criminal Investigation Unit in June 2019 following two break-ins and an armed robbery at businesses in Orange between June and July 2019.”

Strike force detectives believe the three incidents, which occurred during the mornings of 29 June, 13 July, and 20 July, are linked to a man wearing a black cape.

“About 5.15am on Saturday 29 June 2019, a man wearing a black cape forced entry to the front door of a licensed premises at Bloomfield. CCTV footage depicts the man attempting to steal a machine from the reception area of the business, before fleeing the location without the machine,” the police statement said.

“Between 2.45am and 5.30am on Saturday 13 July 2019, a person wearing a black cape and face covering gained entry to a business on Peisley Street at Orange. CCTV footage depicts the man attempting to open an ATM for about an hour, before leaving the location empty handed.”

“About 5.15am Saturday 20 July 2019, a man wearing a cape and face covering (mask) threatened and bound an employee at a hotel on Bathurst Road at Orange. The man was wielding a hunting knife and rifle as he ordered the victim into a separate room, before attempting to open an ATM and poker machines,” the statement said. “The man was last seen jumping a fence beside the hotel carpark backing onto the railway line and walking down the rail corridor.”

Investigators have released CCTV footage. Click on the following link to view it, or click here.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or who witnessed suspicious activity around the above areas at the times mentioned, is encouraged to contact the Orange Police Station on 6363 6399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

(Photo credit: NSW Police).