Thong bandit robs Tugun Bowls Club worker at knifepoint

Police are on the hunt for an alleged bandit wearing a beanie and thongs who robbed a Gold Coast bowls club at knifepoint in a terrifying encounter. Watch the vision as it unfolded

Police are on the hunt for a thong-wearing bandit who robbed a Gold Coast bowls club at knifepoint.

Initial investigations indicated a man entered the Tugun Bowls Club on Kaleena St just before 7pm Sunday and allegedly threatened a staffer with a knife before demanding he hand over cash from the register.

CCTV of the incident showed the alleged offender wearing thongs, a black beanie, jumper and pants.

Police said the worker complied and was not injured in the incident.

An offender threatened a Tugun Bowls Club worker with a knife during an armed robbery. Picture: QPS

The offender fled the scene with a sum of cash and remained on the run as of Monday afternoon.

He was described as caucasian in appearance, around 180cm tall and of slim build.

Police are investigating the incident.

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a business on Kaleena Street in Tugun last night, July 16. Picture: QPS

In a separate incident at the weekend, a man threatened a worker at an Ashmore newsagency with a hammer before fleeing with cash from the till.

Police were called to Newsextra at Ashmore at 6.21am on Saturday by the staffer, a 35-year-old man.

Speaking to media on Monday, Acting Superintendent Peter Miles said the offender had entered the store with a large hammer or mallet before “calmly” asking the worker to hand over the money.

Acting Superintendent Miles said: “The victim was serving a witness when a man entered the store producing a mallet.

“He calmly asked the victim to open the till. The offender then took the victim’s phone out of his hand and placed it in his pocket.”

After picking up an unknown Amazon package the man exited the newsagency.

When the victim followed the man outside, the offender gave back the victim’s phone.

“He then said words to the effect of ‘Thanks for your co-operation’,” Acting Superintendent Miles said.

The man then allegedly made his getaway in a blue Hyundai ix35 SUV that had been waiting outside.

The car was last seen headed west on Cotlew St, towards Currumburra Rd.

Anyone with information on either incident should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.