A MAN has been punched in an attempted robbery and three stolen cars were still missing after several homes and cars were targeted in a crime spree across Tamworth.
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Police spent the day on Friday investigating the break-ins, car stealings and attempted robberies in South Tamworth, Calala, Windmill Hill, Attunga and Manilla.
Investigators are trying to determine if they're linked and are urging anyone with private CCTV cameras in the areas, or who might have dash cam footage or may have seen the stolen cars being driven in the early hours, to come forward.
A 67-year-old man was punched when he was confronted while sitting in his car about 6.05am on Friday in George Street.
Police said the offenders, both male, assaulted the man after demanding property, but fled in an orange-colour vehicle.
They were described as being Caucasian in appearance, late teens to early 20s and wearing light coloured hooded jumpers.
The same offenders are believed to have then targeted another 67-year-old man in Morilla Street. They stole an electronic device but it was recovered a short distance away. The males were described as being in their 20s, medium build and wearing hoodies.
An orange Subaru XV, bearing number plates CTF-30N, was stolen during a break-in at a Falcon Drive home in Calala about 5.20am on Friday. The thieves stole a number of goods as well as the car keys and the car, which police were still searching for on Friday.
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Two cars were stolen, along with a trailer and other personal goods when thieves broke into a Verdelho Drive house in Windmill Hill about 3am.
They stole the keys and a silver Volkswagon Amarok, with number plates BQX-28Y, and a Landrover Discovery, with registration DCE-87C. The Discovery was later dumped in Bent Street and has been towed for forensic examination, while the Amarok was still missing.
Police believe a silver Ford Ranger - stolen earlier this week in Tamworth - is connected, and was seen in the area about the same time.
Police were called and tried to stop the vehicles but they took off and disappeared.
Thieves hit homes, cars in Manilla and Attunga
A Toyota Prado was stolen shortly after 1.30am on Friday in Manilla from a Kanangra Road address. It was then dumped and torched about half an hour later at the Attunga rest area, off Fossickers Way.
Break and enters were reported in Attunga, but it's believed residents may have disturbed offenders who fled empty-handed.
Break-ins or thefts from cars were reported in the early hours in Merindah Avenue and Mimosa Street in Manilla, where goods were stolen.
Police are appealing for anyone who might have home security cameras or who may have seen the offenders or any suspicious cars in the area.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Tamworth police on 6768 2999.
Meanwhile, police said a silver Toyota Hilux stolen in Gunnedah had been recovered after it was dumped in the brickworks in Coledale. Police believe the car was stolen from Gunnedah and was set alight, but only minor damage occurred.
It's been towed for forensic examination.
Investigators are also hoping someone might have seen a white Ford Falcon sedan, bearing number plates CF-29-BD. Officers want to speak to the occupants in relation to a fraud investigation.