Cigarettes allegedly stolen from Gungahlin tobacconist before car torched

Police say the 30-year-old woman was involved in stealing cigarettes from a Gungahlin business. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

One member of a group that allegedly used a crowbar to gain entry to a Franklin shop before robbing it is facing court over her alleged involvement.

A 30 woman will face court after allegedly using a stolen vehicle to commit a burglary on a business in Franklin.

ACT Policing alleges that at about 2 am on 17 September, the woman was one of three people – two women and a man – driving in a white Kia SUV to the Franklin shops on Clare Burton Close. The vehicle had been reported stolen.

Once they arrived at the shops, the man allegedly used a crowbar to gain entry into a tobacconist. The trio then reportedly went into the shop and stole cigarettes.

Police also allege that at about 9.30 am on 19 September, officers saw the white Kia being driven by the man while they were conducting patrols in Narrabundah.

Officers allegedly directed the driver to stop, but he failed to comply with police directions and drove away. A short time later, police say the vehicle was found alight on Parkes Way.

Following enquiries and analysis of CCTV from the business, police officers spoke to the woman and carried out a search of her Narrabundah home.

Police say they located clothes that matched those worn in CCTV footage and other items believed to be stolen property from a separate reported burglary.

The woman has been charged with intent to commit theft in joint commission, joint commission of theft, riding in a motor vehicle without consent, unlawful possession of stolen property and breach of good behaviour order.

She is set to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (25 September).