2 days ago
CCTV shows Brisbane jewellery store robbery that leaves owner with brain injuries
A manhunt is underway after four armed thieves robbed a Brisbane jewellery store and attacked the owner before fleeing.
The violent robbery unfolded just after 5pm on Tuesday at Shree Ganesh Jewellers on Gympie Rd in Chermside, when the masked men stormed the store, smashing display cabinets with hammers and metal bars.
The store owner, 38-year-old Bijaya Sunar, who was working at the time, was struck in the head several times with a hammer.
He was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a stable condition.
7NEWS understands Sunar required emergency surgery to remove a haematoma on his brain.
The group stole a large amount of jewellery and escaped in a grey Honda CR-V, Queensland registration 495ZJW, believed to have been stolen from Alfred Circuit in Calamvale two days earlier on Sunday.
Police have released CCTV footage and images of the suspects, appealing for public assistance to identify them.
All four wore balaclavas and dark clothing, and they varied in build and complexion.
The first man was captured on CCTV wearing a high-vis, long-sleeved shirt, grey sweatpants, a green and brown cap, and a black balaclava.
He is described as having a dark complexion, athletic build, and is believed to be in his late teens or early twenties.
The second man was seen wearing a dark hooded jumper with 'Beverley Hills' written across it, a black ski mask-style balaclava, black gloves, and black Nike track pants featuring a white Nike logo on the upper left leg.
He is described as having a dark complexion, a large build, and standing over 182cm tall.
The third man was dressed in a black hooded jumper, black balaclava, and grey track pants.
He is described as having a fair complexion, a proportionate build, and average height.
The fourth man was seen wearing a dark hooded Air Jordan jumper, a black ski mask balaclava, and grey track pants.
He is described as having a dark complexion, a solid build, and standing at approximately 182cm tall.
Police believe the Chermside heist may be linked to another armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store on May 8.
In that incident, a group armed with axes and hammers entered the store on Lutwyche Rd at about 1pm, smashed glass cabinets, and stole a significant amount of jewellery.
A woman suffered minor injuries from shattered glass, but no other injuries were reported.
The group later fled in a white Hyundai Accent Hatchback with Queensland registration 801YLM, which was believed to have been stolen from a home on Samford Rd the day before.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers said identifying and arresting these offenders was a top priority.
'There is absolutely no place for violent crimes in Brisbane's north,' Rogers said.
'These offences are outrageous.
'We have zero tolerance for anyone who puts our community's safety or their livelihood at risk.'
Anyone who recognises the suspects or has information about the vehicles involved is urged to contact police.
They used crowbars to smash their way to $500,000 worth of gold. 7NEWS warns some viewers may find these pictures confronting.
