‘It’s getting bad’: Bang and Grind manager allegedly assaulted by teens in Cairns CBD

A Cairns restaurant manager has been hailed for her courage by a neighbouring counterpart, after tackling a teen who allegedly stole a tip jar from a busy cafe on the Cairns Esplanade.

Scene of a criminal incident at the intersection of the Cairns Esplanade and Shields Street, where three teenage girls stole a tip jar from a cafe and were allegedly tackled by staff from Coast Roast and Bang and Grind before fleeing. Picture: Brendan Radke

A staff member at a busy Esplanade cafe has recalled the moment he and his manager chased three teens who allegedly stole a tip jar from the front counter.

Bang and Grind acting daily supervisor Hideki Ikebe and his manager Yuka O’Donnell were going about their work when three teenage girls allegedly stole a tip jar from the front counter.

Mr Ikebe said he was chatting with a barista when Ms O’Donnell yelled that someone had stolen the jar.

“They walked off and I guess they got scared and then saw me and I started chasing them. I caught them near Spice Bar and they started running. I caught them in front of Coast Roast,” Mr Ikebe said.

“I didn’t realise Yuka was behind me until I saw a girl grab her hair and start punching her,” he said.

While Mr Ikebe held down one girl who was punching him in the face, he saw the other girl “brutally” assault Ms O’Donnell.

Although it was the first time the tip jar had been stolen, Mr Ikebe said crime on the Esplanade was getting worse.

Bang & Grind staff member Hideki Ikebe who was involved in an altercation with a teenager on Shields Street on Tuesday said youth crime was getting worse in the Cairns CBD.

“It’s getting bad. There was a break-in at the Italian restaurant and they tried to break into our door. It’s becoming really hectic,” he said.
The alleged incident follows another alleged assault at Ochre Modern Australian Dining restaurant were two staff members were allegedly assaulted, prompting owner Craig Squire to pay for security patrols.

Coast Roast manager Dave Hyde who witnessed the incident and helped Ms O’Donnell, said the incident disrupted and shocked his customers.

“There was money all over the floor. They stole the tip jar and ran down here. She (Ms O’Donnell) tackled them. I don’t know why but it was pretty brave. I guess she was just angry with it,” Mr Hyde said.

Scene of a criminal incident at the intersection of the Cairns Esplanade and Shields Street, where three teenage girls stole a tip jar from a cafe and were allegedly tackled by staff from Coast Roast and Bang and Grind before fleeing. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Hyde said he managed to pin one girl to the floor before they ran off and police arrived.

“These kids are out of control. They’re here trying to steal sunglasses, salt and pepper off the table. They have no respect for the law whatsoever,” he said.

He said families who were eating lunch at the time of the incident were shocked.

“I’ve seen a girl smacked to the face, knocked to the floor. It just happens all the time around here. They just get let off by the court system every time so they just keep reoffending.”

Scene of a criminal incident at the intersection of the Cairns Esplanade and Shields Street, where three teenage girls stole a tip jar from a cafe and were allegedly tackled by staff from Coast Roast and Bang & Grind before fleeing. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed three youths were taken into custody and were assisting police with inquiries.

Police allege around 12.30pm Tuesday afternoon, three teenagers entered Bang and Grind on the Cairns Esplanade and allegedly stole a tip jar from the counter before fleeing on foot.

The spokeswoman confirmed the youths were located with the help of CCTV and were assisting police with inquiries.

A 17-year-old girl was charged with one count of enter premise and commit and one count of common assault.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with two counts of enter premise and commit.

And a 14-year-old girl was charged with two counts of enter premise and commit and three counts of common assault.

They will all face Cairns Childrens Court at a later date.

Originally published as ‘It’s getting bad’: Bang and Grind manager allegedly assaulted by teens in Cairns CBD