Alleged thief smashes up Southport business for cigarettes
A hammer-wielding thief’s been charged over a terrifying incident in Southport overnight.
The 47-year-old man allegedly entered a business along Marine Parade just before 9.00 pm, making demands for tobacco and cigarettes.
The employee initially refused to hand over any items, before the thief allegedly pulled out a hammer.
He’s understood to have started smashing up the area, causing significant damage to a wall and a computer.
The store employee then handed over a number of cigarettes before the man fled the scene.
Police were able to track him down pretty quickly, arresting him at a nearby residence.
He’s since been charged with armed robbery and wilful damage and will front Southport court today.