Detectives investigating two ram-raids in the Shoalhaven area have released images of a vehicle they believe may have been used in the robberies.

Just after 3am on Thursday 10 April 2014, a white-coloured late-model Toyota Hilux dual cab utility was stolen from parkland in Booderee. Along with the ute, a blue trailer with an attached hydraulic lift was stolen.

At the time of the theft, another white-coloured ute was captured on CCTV leaving the area with the stolen vehicle.

About 4.15am the same day (Thursday 10 April 2014), a service station owner was notified of an alarm activation at his shop on the Princes Highway in Falls Creek, just south of Nowra.

The owner attended the service station, which was closed at the time of the alarm activation, and found that it had been broken into.

A large safe containing cash was missing, as were a number of cartons of cigarettes. The property had also been seriously damaged.

Police were called to the scene, and an investigation commenced.

Four days later – shortly after 5am on Monday 14 April 2014 – police were called to a service station on the Princes Highway in Wandandian after reports of a ram-raid robbery.

Police were told two or three men in a white Toyota Hilux ute had reversed through the front door of the service station.

The men used chains and a sledgehammer to dislodge an in-store ATM and hoist it onto the rear of the ute.

Two staff members who interrupted the robbery were threatened with the sledge hammer and chain, before the men – who were disguised by black clothing and balaclavas – left the scene.

They were last seen heading north on the Princes Highway.

Detectives from the Shoalhaven Local Area Command have formed Strike Force Lagul to investigate the ram-raid robberies and believe the same group are responsible for both offences.

Investigators also believe that the late model white Toyota Hilux dual cab ute stolen from Booderee on the 10 April 2014, was used in both offences.

The ute and trailer have not yet been located.

Inquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to come forward.