Police have warned it's only a matter of time before a gang responsible for tens-of-thousands of dollars in theft and damage across the North East will strike again.
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Wodonga Police have released new footage in their hunt for the group dubbed the “t-shirt bandits” who are suspected to have carried out more than 30 commercial robberies.
A leader has been identified from the vision and the other three offenders have been described as “sheep”.
It comes as police ramp up the six-month old Operation Starmuzz.
The footage shows four thugs who drove to the Shell service station in Rutherglen on August 24 in a stolen Nissan four-wheel-drive.
They used iron bars to force entry and unsuccessfully attempted to access the ATM before stealing cigarettes, alcohol and cash.
It was the second time the service station had been hit by the gang which also targeted businesses in Albury, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Yackandandah, Tallangatta, Wodonga and, most recently, Barnawartha two weeks ago.
Police believe the leader is the man in the footage with green underwear protruding from the top of his grey pants wearing a black Nike hoodie.
Wodonga Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said he is the focus.
“More than likely they are known to us, so they are trying to hide their identities in the footage,” he said. “The other three in the footage are clearly following the leader.
“They have gone quiet compared to what they were between May and July.
“Unfortunately, we do think they will continue at some point.
“Intelligence isn't coming through as it normally would, we hope one more call may be the one we need to identify these guys.”
The men are believed to be in their mid-20s of a medium build and roughly 170cm tall.
They use t-shirts to cover their faces and socks over their hands.
Police also drew attention to a distinctive black hoodie with a bright yellow zip.
Detective Sergeant Simpfendorfer said the men could face a maximum 15-years behind bars for their criminal activity.
“If you are one of the sheep, you might want to consider coming forward before this gets too bad for you,” he said.
Anyone with details about the mens’ identities should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2600.
