Mission Beach Tavern break-in: Police call for help after alleged ATM raid

Police have released photos of a man they wish to speak with after an alleged break-in left the owners of famous Far North pub with a $30,000 damage bill and a plea for the public.

POLICE have released photos of a man they wish to speak with after an alleged break-in left the owners of a famous Far North pub with a $30,000 damage bill and a plea for the public.

Tully detectives are appealing for help from the public to identify a man seen on security cameras after the alleged raid on the Mission Beach Tavern on Monday morning.

Police believe he can assist with enquiries.

It is alleged an unknown person forced entry to the Porter Promenade business between 3am and 5am on Monday and stole a sum of cash before fleeing the scene.

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The trail of destruction included extensive damage to an ATM, cigarette machine, office space and a security system.

Pub owner Jeanette Lamb said whoever was responsible “knew what they were doing”.

She turned up to work on Monday morning to find the office door open.

“I thought, holy s***,” she said.

“I didn’t have the nerve to check the cameras while I was standing there so I just grabbed the keys and went to go get backup.

“I grabbed my partner and it wasn’t until he got here that we walked around and realised someone had done a job on the ATM.”

Mission Beach Tavern owner Jeanette Lamb. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

Police described the man as about 180cm tall with a proportionate build.

He was wearing a black hat, black spray jacket, black trousers and boots.

Ms Lamb said she did not know what damage would be covered by insurance, but the cash stolen from the ATM was likely a write-off.

“It wasn’t a fantastic morning,” she said.

“It will probably total about $30,000 in damage.”

The pub’s security system will be beefed up to avoid another break-in – and Ms Lamb is ready to get word out to track down the culprit.

“They won’t get us again,” she said.

“We’ll go hell for leather now.”

The pub will survive but Ms Lamb said there was an easy way the public could lend a hand.

“We’re quite solid – we’ve got a fantastic local base,” she said.

“But for anyone who wants to assist us, come down and have a beer and a feed.

“That should help us recoup any losses.”

Anyone with information can get in touch with the Tully Criminal Investigation Branch or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink at 131 444.

Originally published as Mission Beach Tavern break-in: Police call for help after alleged ATM raid