Bottlos hit in alleged spree
THREE teenage girls are in custody and police are hunting one other after a “targeted” and “planned” alleged booze heist through Cairns streets.
The group allegedly stole or attempted to steal alcohol from four liquor outlets in three Cairns suburbs in under an hour on Saturday afternoon.
In one instance a staff member allegedly had a can thrown at him, while it is alleged one of the females used a bottle of liquor to threaten staff at another business.
“They were clearly targeting a specific commodity,” Cairns property crime squad Detective Sergeant Dan Bramham said.
“They were their efforts.
“It appears it was targeted with some degree of planning.”
The spree began just after 2pm on Saturday when police allege four females entered the Liquorland on English St in Manunda and attempted to leave without paying for two cartons of liquor.
They were challenged by an persistent in employee and one of the group allegedly dropped a carton of cans, which broke open before she picked up a can and threw it at the male staff member, narrowly missing him.
The group then allegedly fled with the remaining carton along English St.
Minutes later they then allegedly went to the Liquorland on Woodward St at Edge Hill and stole a pack of pre-mixed liquor cans before fleeing again.
Police will allege they then travelled by car to Smithfield where they tried to steal a trolley full of alcohol from the BWS inside the shopping centre less than 30 minutes later.
One of the group allegedly picked up a bottle and used it to threaten staff and customers.
Detective Sgt Bramham said an off-duty officer witnessed the alleged altercation and restrained the girl before Smithfield police arrived and took the 15-year-old into custody.
Two of the group then fled the scene before going to the BWS on nearby Faculty Close just before 3pm where they allegedly stole a carton of premixed liquor.
Police launched an investigation and two females aged 16 and 19 were arrested at a Mooroobool residence on Sunday afternoon.
The trio has been charged with a total of 19 offences including robbery in company, entering premises and stealing and entering premises with intent.
Flora Patricia Footscray, 19, appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday and she was refused bail, with the case adjourned until July 1.
The 15 and 16-year-olds are expected to appear in the Cairns Children’s Court.
Investigations into the incidents are continuing as police look to track down the fourth alleged offender.
THEY WERE PERSISTENT IN THEIR EFFORTS. IT APPEARS IT WAS TARGETED WITH SOME DEGREE OF PLANNING
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