20-year-old driver escapes uninjured after smashing into Tonsley Hotel sign

A 20-year-old allegedly drunk driver and her passengers have escaped unscathed – but a southern suburbs pub wasn’t so lucky – after she smashed into it early on Sunday morning.

A young female driver has had a lucky escape after crashing into a popular pub’s sign, with two passengers on board.

Just after 4.15am, police and emergency services were called to South Rd, Clovelly Park, after reports of a car hitting a sign at the Tonsley Hotel.

The 20-year-old female driver from New South Wales, and her two passengers were not injured into the crash, which reportedly caused significant damage to the sign post.

The female driver allegedly recorded a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit, and she was issued with a six-month instant loss of licence, reported for drink driving and had her car towed from the scene.

She is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

An allegedly drunk driver has smashed into the Tonsley Hotel sign on South Rd. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The driver and passengers were unharmed but the sign was badly damaged. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Meanwhile, police are investigating two southern suburb chemist break-ins that also happened early Sunday morning in the southern suburbs.

Just after 4am, police responded to alarm activations at a chemist on Marion Road, Marion.

Once they arrived, they found the glass door had been smashed, but nothing appeared to be stolen.

A dark-coloured sedan was seen leaving the area at the time.

Shortly after, another alarm alerted police to a chemist on Seacombe Rd, Darlington, where a thief had broken in and stolen a small amount of cash.

Crime scene investigators went to the scene and, on reviewing CCTV footage, police believe the same suspect is involved in both break-ins.

Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.