Mackay break and enter map: The businesses thieves have targeted

Beauticians are forced to think twice about leaving work after dark while mechanics are losing their cars as thieves run rampant through the region. See the map of businesses hit.

Offenders are targeting the Mackay CBD, leaving some city workers feeling unsafe leaving their workplaces at night.

Thieves continue to run rampant through the streets of Mackay, forcing beauticians to think twice about leaving work after dark while mechanics’ cars are being taken for joy rides.

The QPS monthly statistics for the region revealed a continued spike in unlawful entry offences, with reported incidents sitting at 165 – only slightly down from the 171 in June.

Here are the victims behind the crime.

One Stop Home Brew & Pub Shop

The Shakespeare Street bottle shop and pub was targeted between 1pm Saturday July 10 and 5.30pm Sunday July 11.

‘They took the whole cash register, which weighs about 10-15kg and is worth about $1000’. Picture: Google Maps

One Stop Home Brew & Pub Shop manager Kylie O’Driscoll said the whole ordeal was “frustrating and ridiculous”.

“They didn’t even bother taking the cash out of the till,” Mrs O’Driscoll said.

“They took the whole cash register, which weighs about 10-15kg and is worth about $1000.”

Mrs O’Driscoll said as the business did not keep much cash on site, the thieves racked up more money in damages than they stole.

She said the culprits smashed a small window to gain access to the building, believing they were on the “smaller side” to have been able to squeeze through.

Fleek Brows & Beauty

The Macalister Street beauty salon was targeted between midnight Monday July 12 and midnight Tuesday July 13.

While the intruders were fortunately unable to gain access into the building, their presence is still being felt by staff.

Fleek Brows & Beauty employee Madi Green said her colleagues and herself now had to think twice about using the outside bathroom or finishing late.

“The door knobs were broken up and there were scratches around the doors,” Madi Green said.

“We do sometimes finish at 8pm, we’re all nervous to walk to out now.”

Anytime Gym

The disappearance of an entire gym’s worth of equipment in just three hours continues to baffle the state of Queensland.

Townsville Anytime Fitness franchisee Troy Cooper bought the equipment in June for $144,000 from a Victoria Street building landlord after Mackay Anytime Fitness permanently closed its doors in 2020.

Mr Cooper said CCTV footage showed the machines had been removed in a three-hour window between 10.45pm Monday July 21 and 1.30am Tuesday.

Senior Constable Steve Smith said police believed the culprits were able to access the building through the roof, unlocking the roller door and loading the truck from the rear.

Aero Glass and Aluminium

The industrial business was targeted between the evening of Sunday July 25 and the morning of Monday July 26.

Co-owner and manager Michael Lynch said the intruders smashed through the front door to gain access to the building.

Aero Glass and Aluminium co-owner and manager Michael Lynch said the break-in had raised safety concerns in Paget. Picture: Facebook

“It’s a big cost to the business, it’s been pretty astronomical, it’s a substantial amount with the roller door and all that,” Mr Lynch said.

Mr Lynch said beyond the cost of damages, various tools and office equipment had been stolen which was further cost to the business.

He said the break-in had also raised safety concerns.

“We’ve changed the staff starting times so someone is always here when they come in,” Mr Lynch said.

“There’s a lot of things I want to say, but I won’t.

“It’s just very, very ordinary.

“We’ve got to get over and move on, it’s all we can really do.”

Big Wheels Truck Alignment

An alleged intruder targeted the Boundary Road vehicle maintenance business, helping himself to power tools and a getaway car.

A police spokeswoman said a 28-year-old man smashed a side window and gained access into the business between the evening of Sunday July 25 and the morning of Monday July 26.

She said the intruder smashed the side window stealing power tools and a black Mazda BT-50, which was found later on Sunday abandoned in Sarina.

The man has been charged with entering with intent and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Mackay Kawasaki

The Heaths Road motorbike shop was broken into for the fourth in 12 months with owner Vicki Burgess confessing “I’m not even upset anymore, I’m just pissed off”.

CCTV cameras captured the culprit wearing shorts, thongs, gloves, a hoodie and a balaclava making off with a brand new 22 KX450 race bike at 11pm on Wednesday August 4.

A police spokeswoman said he used an unknown instrument to force open the front door.

Mrs Burgess was offering $1000 reward for anyone with information that could help lead “to the arrest of this a*rsehole”.

Lester Hansen Street businesses

Two Slade Point businesses on Lester Hansen Street were targeted between Tuesday August 10 and 8.45am Thursday August 12.

A police spokeswoman said three unknown intruders targeted at least one of the businesses by cutting a wire fence to enter the compound.

She said two of the three intruders were seen wearing hoodies and long pants.

Reports indicate the three individuals fled the area in a green Mazda 3.

If you have information for police, phone Policelink on 131 444 or visit www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Phone [phone] or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.