Anger over ransacking of tavern in Kirwan

A VOCAL advocate of harsher penalties against youth property crime offenders has been left fuming after would- be thieves attempted to break into his Townsville tavern, leaving a path of destruction.

Avenues Tavern owner Greg Pellegrini woke on Friday morning to discover his popular Kirwan venue had been ransacked, causing upwards of $ 25,000 in damage right before the weekend trading rush.

Mr Pellegrini said a number of youths were caught on CCTV footage, which has been handed to police, causing damage including smashing and de- wiring security cameras, smashing a glass door, broken lights and breaking satellite dishes on the roof.

“We are furious; they’ve targeted the worst person,” Mr Pellegrini said.

Mr Pellegrini said the business had been broken into previously.

Mr Pellegrini said the State Government needed to do more to combat youth crime.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said it was concerning to hear of local businesses impacted by property crime.

“It’s unfortunate that Mr Pellegrini’s business has been broken into in Kirwan; it would now be a matter for the police to conduct their investigation in relation to that break- in. I can’t comment much further than that,” Mr Harper said.

“If Mr Pellegrini has other views, I welcome him to register for Major General Stuart Smith’s upcoming crime forum in the very near future to hear from people in our community and discuss avenues and operations.”