Tasmania Crime Watch: This Week’s Roundup (14–21 August 2026)
It’s been a busy week for Tasmania Police, with everything from an armed robbery in Hobart’s CBD to a suspicious house fire, a death in custody investigation, and a multi-state operation targeting proceeds of crime. Here’s a rundown of the key crime and public safety stories from around the state.
Armed robbery at Hobart convenience store
Three youths were arrested after allegedly storming a convenience store on Liverpool Street in Hobart wearing face coverings. Police allege the group assaulted a male staff member with a hammer before making off with the till. Detectives from the South East Criminal Investigation Branch led the investigation.
Death in custody at Hobart Reception Centre
A 23-year-old man died after being found unresponsive in his cell at the Hobart Reception Centre. Staff reported the incident to police around 11am, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. As is standard procedure, a Professional Standards investigation is now underway into the circumstances of his death.
Wounding charge over Claremont incident
A 22-year-old New Norfolk man handed himself in to police and was subsequently charged over a wounding incident on Curlew Parade, Claremont. He faces charges including causing grievous bodily harm, common assault, and recklessly discharging a firearm.
Deliberately lit fires keep investigators busy
It was a rough week for suspicious fires:
- Police are investigating a fire at two unoccupied, conjoined residences on Pekum Crescent, Berriedale, which was deliberately lit overnight. Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguished the blaze before it spread further.
- A 46-year-old Kingston man was charged after allegedly igniting a fire inside a Redwood Road property in the early hours of Sunday morning while a male occupant was present.
Kingston dangerous driving incident
A 43-year-old Kingston man was charged with several offences after police responded to reports of dangerous driving involving a grey Nissan X-Trail heading into Kingston on Saturday evening.
Serious crash in Devonport
Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious two-vehicle crash between a Toyota Prado and a Suzuki Ignis at the intersection of Devonport Road and Mersey Main Road, Quoiba. The driver of the Suzuki was taken to hospital in serious condition.
Missing North West couple found safe
An elderly South Australian couple, 79-year-old Peter and 81-year-old Clementina, sparked a multi-day search after going missing near Milabena in the state’s North West. Search and rescue teams located their vehicle on Cookes Road before finding the pair safe nearby — a relieving end to what had become an anxious few days for family and police.
Alleged poisoning case in Launceston
A 43-year-old South Launceston woman was charged over what police describe as a “series of attempted poisonings” of a man known to her, in one of the more unusual cases to come out of the north of the state this week.
Multi-state crackdown on proceeds of crime
In a joint operation involving the AFP, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force, search warrants were executed at properties in Melrose and Sorell. Two men — one from Victoria, one from Sorell — were charged with dealing in proceeds of crime, with police seizing more than $2.5 million in tobacco products, over $1 million in cash, 9kg of silver bars, and gold bullion. Investigators allege the pair moved criminal cash between Tasmania and Victoria using hire cars and a commercial freight vessel.
This roundup is based on Tasmania Police media releases and ABC News Tasmania coverage. Anyone with information relating to any of these matters is encouraged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000.
