Man tied up with cable ties as thieves steal guns and set house alight
A 76-year-old man was assaulted and tied up by two intruders who stole firearms and cash from his rural Tasmanian home before setting the property on fire. The victim is in serious condition, and police are investigating the targeted nature of the attack.
Why it matters
The incident highlights concerns regarding rural safety and the theft of firearms, which poses a significant public security risk.
A 76-year-old man was allegedly assaulted, tied up and dragged from his home before it was set on fire during a “vicious” targeted attack on Tasmania’s east coast this morning.
The man, who lived alone on a large rural property at Coles Bay, was found in his yard with his hands and feet bound after emergency services were called to a house fire around 7am on Saturday.
Police say two men wearing balaclavas and dark clothing forced their way into the home about 5am and assaulted him with a crowbar.
They repeatedly demanded access to his firearms safe before stealing nine registered firearms and a quantity of cash.
The men allegedly bound him with cable ties, dragged him into the yard and set the house alight. The home was destroyed.
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