Police have released photos of a backpack they hope might help them solve three cases of unlawful entry of hotel rooms in Darwin at the weekend.
On Friday, Police received two reports of unlawful entries at the Skycity Casino. Police were told two rooms had been unlawfully entered some time after 9pm on Thursday night. In one case the victim retuned to his room to find the offender leaving through the glass sliding door. Nothing appears to have been taken, however in the second incident thieves made off with a laptop, briefcase, carry bag, wallet, make-up and jewellery to the value of $15,000.
Police have since recovered the distinctive red backpack which was stolen in this incident. The bag - minus the contents - was found in the Vic Hotel complex.
Detective Sergeant Andy Bedwell said the backpack was an unusual design in that it was a large red, grey and black bag with wheels. It also had a 'HSV' logo on the side.
"You don't often see this type of bag and it's possible a passing motorist may have noticed someone wheeling it along from the Mindil Beach area towards the city on Thursday night or the early hours of Friday after the theft," Det Sgt Bedwell said.
Police said it appeared the two unlawful entries at SkyCity occurred a short time before another unlawful entry of a hotel room at Mantra on the Esplanade in the city. Detective Sergeant Bedwell said police believed all three incidents were linked.
"In the third incident a German couple were the victims of a cowardly assault after the thief forced his way into their ground-floor room. After punching the 62-year-old woman and her 63-year-old husband the thief made off with a handbag containing 10,000 Euros.
"Of note, the Euros were all in 100 and 200 Euro denominations. We are hoping someone will contact us if the thief tries to exchange the large denomination notes."
The alleged offender is described as being a Caucasian male, 180cms tall with a slim athletic build and short dark hair.
Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Note: Pics of bag attached
Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8922 3531
