Two teens arrested over ‘terrifying’ string of fast food robberies in Townsville

A local franchisee has been left fuming after a 13-year-old boy accused of robbing a string of fast food outlets in Townsville with a 16-year-old co-offender was released without charge.

Two armed youths armed robbed the Red Rooster in Aitkenvale on Saturday.

A local franchisee has been left fuming after a 13-year-old boy accused of robbing a string of fast food outlets in Townsville with a 16-year-old co-offender was released from custody without charge.

The two Kirwan boys allegedly used a machete and hammer to hold up four businesses across Townsville over four days.

The alleged crime spree began on Saturday night, June 3, when the Red Rooster in Aitkenvale and KFC in Kirwan was held up, and cash was stolen.

Police believe the same pair held up the NightOwl in Kirwan on Monday night, fleeing with money and cigarettes.

Then they robbed the Red Rooster in Kirwan on Tuesday night and were arrested shortly after.

A 16-year-old Kirwan boy has been charged with four counts of robbery whilst armed in company and four counts of entering premises with intent.

He was denied bail and due to appear in Children’s Court in July.

A 13-year-old Kirwan boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act and released from custody.

Aitkenvale’s Red Rooster franchisee Kylie Johnson said she couldn’t believe the 13-year-old had been released without charge.

She said the terrifying robbery had triggered their decision to only operate their drive-through now after 8pm and not the restaurant.

“It’s not worth the risk,” Ms Johnson said.

“The safety of my staff is my priority. Most are young part-timers who are doing their best and don’t deserve to be terrorised like that.

“I was there the night of the robbery, and my nine-year-old son was also there and had to witness that boy coming up to the counter with a machete.

“I don’t care about their age. If you walk into a business brandishing a weapon … you forfeit any right to rejoin society. You don’t consider yourself part of it, to respect and obey some basic laws. Things have to change.” 

It comes after police responded to an armed robbery at Zarraffa’s Coffee in Condon at 7.35pm on Wednesday.

A 13-year-old Kirwan boy armed with a hammer allegedly fled the scene with a sum of cash before being tracked down nearby by the dog squad.

He was charged with one count of robbery while armed and entering a premises with intent.

He was denied bail and due to appear in Children’s Court at a later date.

Originally published as Two teens arrested over ‘terrifying’ string of fast food robberies in Townsville