Ram-raids on the rise

EIGHT is the number of robberies which have shaken small businesses and takeaway stores within Logan since the beginning of April.

One business owner who has felt the brunt of the recent crime spree is Nagji Patel, who runs a FoodWorks convenience store at Slacks Creek.

Thieves used a black SUV to ram raid the front door to his Kingston Rd business about 3.45am on April 10.

Mr Patel said he was devastated when he received the call from his security company.

"We were informed by security there was an alarm going off in the shop and when we arrived we saw the police standing out the front," Mr Patel said.

"We arrived to see glass every where and our cigarette cabinets broken and open.

"Mentally and physically we are pretty down and depressed."

It only took two minutes for the two offenders, who were wearing black hooded jumpers, to allegedly smash through the locked cabinets and steal hundreds of dollars worth of cigarettes, lighters and lighter fluid.

They also allegedly tried to break open the ATM but were unsuccessful.

Other businesses which have also been targeted include takeaway stores at Underwood, Springwood and Meadowbrook, a clothing store at Springwood, a video store in Waterford West, a video and electronics store at Browns Plains and a grocery store at Browns Plains.

In the wake of the high number of crimes occurring in both Logan and Brisbane, a new police task force called Perpetual has been established.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gayle Hogan said there were more than 30 people of interest in relation to almost 200 offences.

"The offences are in excess of 190 offences which include burglary offences on both businesses and residents," she said.

"77 are entering of premises offences, 30 unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences, 30 stealing offences, one armed robbery offence, three dangerous operation of motor vehicles and 30 evade police."

Police resources from all five regions have all been pulled together for Task Force Perpetual.