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Snooker World Mermaid Beach closed and without power in second alleged theft attempt

A Gold Coast business has been forced to close its doors for the second time in less than six months after allegedly being targeted by thieves. Read what happened.

Snooker World Mermaid Beach targeted for second time by alleged copper thieves. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Snooker World Mermaid Beach targeted for second time by alleged copper thieves. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A Mermaid Beach business has fallen victim to alleged copper thieves for the second time in less than six months, with management forced to close the doors for the next few days.

Snooker World was plunged into darkness just after lunchtime on Saturday when large electrical mains to the business were allegedly cut in a brazen broad daylight attack.

Two men caught on video at the business when the electrical mains were allegedly cut. Picture: Craig Stevens.
Two men caught on video at the business when the electrical mains were allegedly cut. Picture: Craig Stevens.
Copper theft Mermaid Beach. Picture:  Craig Stevens.
Copper theft Mermaid Beach. Picture: Craig Stevens.

The alleged offenders were caught by Craig Stevens, a regular visitor to the business, who was arriving to play a game when he spotted two men leaving the underground carpark.

Video taken by Mr Stevens shows a man, who is wearing a green shirt and denim shorts, carrying what appears to be a battery operated power tool, resembling a grinder.

He is seen getting into a white Nissan wagon.

A second man who is dressed in a red T-shirt, denim shorts and a bright orange high-vis jacket is also seen getting into the same vehicle.

The men were seen leaving in a white late model Nissan Wagon. Picture: Craig Stevens.
The men were seen leaving in a white late model Nissan Wagon. Picture: Craig Stevens.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman told the Bulletin officers responded to reports of an attempted copper theft resulting in damage.

The offenders, who allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived, were taken into custody a short time later at a nearby address.

A 50-year-old Burleigh Heads man, and a 42-year-old man and 32-year-old woman from Labrador have all been charged with attempted stealing.

They’ll face Southport Magistrates Court on September 30.

It’s another blow to the business which was forced to close it’s doors for 10-days in April when the power mains were allegedly stolen by copper thieves.

A 42-year-old Canungra man was arrested by police and charged with a string of offences including enter premises and commit indictable offence and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

Damage left behind when the business was allegedly targeted by a copper thief in April. Picture: Supplied
Damage left behind when the business was allegedly targeted by a copper thief in April. Picture: Supplied
Cut wires, KFC site Mermaid Beach.
Cut wires, KFC site Mermaid Beach.

A spokesman for Snooker World said the full extent of the damage from the latest incident is still being assessed, but it hoped to have power restored as soon as possible.

“Electrical crews are reviewing the situation,” the spokesman said.

“At this point we don’t have any further information or time frames.

“Snooker World will re-open when the venue is fully operational and is completely safe for customers and staff.”

It’s understood the business was forced to cancel a large birthday function on Saturday evening and risks having to call-off two events scheduled this week, which are expected to see more than 250 members attend.

Originally published as Snooker World Mermaid Beach closed and without power in second alleged theft attempt

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/gold-coast/snooker-world-mermaid-beach-closed-and-without-power-in-second-alleged-theft-attempt/news-story/8c36c9e2eef13c80e8376c1201e646ab