Detectives have confirmed a vehicle that rammed a police car in northern Victoria on Thursday afternoon was that of father and son fugitives Gino and Mark Stocco.
It was the same Toyota LandCruiser that Gino, 58, and Mark, 35, had stolen in the NSW town of Holbrook on Sunday or Monday, police say, although its number plates had been switched.
Decals had been added to the vehicle in an additional attempt to disguise it.
Police also have a new confirmed sighting of the pair entering a supermarket in Bairnsdale about 10.30am on Wednesday.
The latest developments come as police said they have widened the search zone for Australia's most wanted men.
"It's believed the men remain in the northeastern corner of Victoria and the police presence in areas surrounding Yea, St James, Wangaratta and Bairnsdale will be increased," Victoria Police said in a statement late on Friday.
The public are urged to report any sighting but to not approach the men, who are armed and dangerous.
They are carrying a high-powered rifle and fired at police in country NSW while evading arrest.
The LandCruiser had Victorian number plates (ZUE632) when in Bairnsdale and these same plates were on the vehicle when it rammed a police car at St James on Thursday.
They are also known to be carrying the number plates NSW BV70WP, Vic YHS085 and SA 415AZL.
The manhunt has focused this week on the rural town of Yea about 100 kilometres north of Melbourne.
A chef at a cafe on Yea's main road told AAP he was not taking any chances.
"I'm not really worried, but at night I do make sure the doors are locked," Tony Zhao told AAP.
The father-of-two said he doubted the pair would approach the town centre but there were concerns.
"I am worried that they might threaten a local or grab a local person and use them as a hostage against police," Mr Zhou said.
STOCCOS ON THE RUN
Oct 16 - Shoot at police in Wagga Wagga
Oct 18 or 19 - Steal a Toyota LandCruiser with NSW plates from Holbrook
Oct 19 - Refuel at a petrol station in Euroa
Oct 20 or 21 - Steal three sets of number plates from an address in Tumbarumba
Oct 21 - Seen entering a supermarket in Bairnsdale
Oct 22 - Ram a police car near St James
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