Snooker World hit by theft

Police are investigating after a man allegedly cut through live wires, effectively shutting down Mermaid Beach’s Snooker World.

Snooker World bosses claim someone broke into the Gold Coast Highway site where the business is based, cutting the wires to extract a “bucket load” of copper – a tactic used by criminals looking to sell it as scrap metal.

Snooker World is the only current tenant at the site, with the KFC, Sizzler, Cinema and Chempro Chemist sites all empty.

A Snooker World spokesman said the business was forced to close until further notice after the mains wiring at the site was cut and spilt last week.

“We don’t know as yet for how long or if any temporary power solutions can be put in place as an interim measure,” the spokesman said.

“All we know is it requires extensive electrical works to rebuild and reconnect the mains power.”

It was a “devastating blow” to the business after recently upgrading Snooker World and relaunching, the spokesman said.

“The business has never been better or busier. Combine the timing with Easter holidays and a schedule of large-planned events every weekend for the next month and it’s heart breaking for everyone involved.”

Snooker World’s spokesman hoped to have more clarity this week when Energex were onsite after the long Easter weekend.

“We’re hoping the punishment is befitting of the gravity of the crime and the impact and cost it has caused to many.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said a 42-year-old Canungra man was assisting police with inquiries after a break and enter and burglary on March 27.

“It is believed (a) male broke into the business and stole property items.”