BURGLARS HIT PIMPAMA CAFE TWO OUT OF THREE NIGHTS
A GOLD Coast cafe owner says he feels “punished” by criminals who broke in and damaged his northern suburbs venue twice in three nights.
Ricky Wong said he was devastated to walk into his cafe One Little Tree at Pimpama on Tuesday morning to find windows smashed, liquor stolen and the till machine shattered.
“One person broke in around 11.50pm on Monday and was in my shop for an hour,” Mr Wong said. “They took up to 10 bottles of wine and spirits, cakes and stole cash. They were drinking in my shop and smashed the till machine, which cost me $3000 to replace.”
The cafe staff were left to clean the premises on Tuesday and cancel trading for the day due to having no till.
Mr Wong said it was the first break-in in the three years he had owned the cafe.
Mr Wong’s family walked in two days later to find the cafe had been broken into again.
“This time they came about 9.50pm on Wednesday night and were inside for around five minutes,” he said.
“The tip jar was taken and more spirits that I had out.
“I’ve estimated this will cost at least $1000 with insurance covering some things but other parts like the trade I lost for a day can’t be covered.
“I’m one of two owners at the cafe and we feel punished by what’s happened.”
Police arrested three people.
A 19-year-old Robina man has been charged with attempted break and enter, possession of an utensil and two charges of possess a dangerous drug.
A 19-year-old Pimpama man was charged with attempted break and enter and possession of property suspected of being stolen.
They are both due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on March 9.
A 17-year-old youth has been issued with a notice to appear in court for two charges of break and enter.