Cafe Bandits run riot in crime spree
POLICE are hunting two men dubbed the Cafe Bandits who raided 10 small businesses across the Gold Coast in just one night.
The brazen thieves made no attempt to conceal their identities during the crime spree, which targeted premises from Burleigh Waters to Hope Island.
Three cafes and two Subway stores were among those hit. The pair broke in by smashing glass doors and windows.
They stole iPads and a significant amount of money from some of the raids but on other occasions left with nothing or just small change.
Jason Degasperi, manager of Mermaid Waters cafe Double Barrel Kitchen, said the men broke in at 3.54am yesterday and stole a jacket, hat, cooking thermometer and the till, containing $20.
“It was really a shock and unnerving,” he said.
“It happened 45 minutes before I turned up.
“We had an alarm and dead bolts but they smashed through the glass. We hope the CCTV footage will help identify the robbers.”
Caffe Republic at Southport had iPads and their tip jar and till stolen.
“I take all the notes out,” manager Peter Dufty said.
“But they got away with all the change.”
Newly opened business Nude Sisters Whole Food Kitchen also was targeted.
“We have only been open
for eight weeks,” co-owner Bec Askey said. “Our till was found (empty) at Pizzey Park.
“Hopefully the police can identify the people ... they are such clear pictures.”
Both men are caucasian. One has dark hair and a short rats tail, with a tattoo above his left eyebrow and tattoos down both lower legs.
“Usually they make some attempt (to cover their faces),” Detective Sergeant Dean Anderson, of Burleigh Heads CIB, said. “It is good for us.”
Det Sgt Anderson said the thieves had committed a series of break and enters between September 3 and 7.
They are believed to be using a 2014 grey Land Rover with Queensland registration 974 WNH. It was stolen from Carrara on September 4.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Task Force Latro South at Burleigh Heads CIB on 5586 0444.