A group of tourists from Ireland are believed to have fled Australia after going on a crime rampage from Brisbane to the Gold Coast scamming small businesses and the elderly.
Queensland police released images of a number of people – all tourists from Ireland – as they investigated reports of scams and thefts.
Detectives said they are aware of 12 offences since January involving the group.
Their investigations indicate that a number of people connected to the group have left the country, but they are appealing for information to locate some of them.
A group of travellers from Ireland are believed to have fled Australia after going on a crime rampage from Brisbane to the Gold Coast
Police said they work in groups to target stores and steal goods and cash.
Some have been accused of stealing groceries from supermarkets and scamming restaurants for free meals by claiming they found glass or hair in their food.
One woman used her children to swipe designer shoes worth hundreds of dollars, allegedly distracting a shop worker while her toddler snuck a pair of Chanel shoes into a pram.
CCTV footage showed at least two women filling their bags at Chevron Island supermarket.
The clip shows them frantically unload goods from a handbag into a basket after being approached by a staff member.
One group of women, accompanied by numerous small children – including some in prams – use aggressive and disruptive behaviour to distract or intimidate staff
CCTV footage showed one of the women allegedly stealing from a supermarket
It also shows one of the women allegedly stealing a stack of meat trays from the shop floor.
One group of women, accompanied by numerous small children – including some in prams – use aggressive and disruptive behaviour to distract or intimidate staff, police said.
They then use large handbags to conceal stolen goods.
In another incident, four men claimed to have found hair in their food at a Brisbane restaurant and then left without paying.
Another group involves several men who solicit for work offering discounted repairs on bitumen driveways and roofing.
They then provided sub-standard services, failed to complete the work or to even turn up.
Police said the Irish travellers work in groups to target stores and steal goods and cash
Some have been accused of stealing groceries from supermarkets and scamming restaurants for free meals by claiming they found glass or hair in their food
Meanwhile, a number of small business owners have come forward to say they’ve been scammed.
A number of restaurant owners claimed the women had been planting shards of glass in their meals then refusing to pay.
Mido Nassif, who works at Wilson’s seafood restaurant, asked the women for their contact details under the pretence of wanting to check on them later.
One woman then wrote a note with the name ‘Jenny’ above a UK address and phone number and said they were staying ‘In Birisborin’ (Brisbane) at a ‘Hilton Hotel’.
The manager said the two women – who were dressed like they were ‘going to a nightclub’ – left without paying their $260 bill.
Marie Yokoyama, the owner of Bird’s Nest restaurant, shared her experience of the glass scam on Facebook and warned other owners to be wary.
Queensland police released images of a number of people – all tourists from Ireland – as they investigated reports of scams and thefts
Property manager Clara Carmichael claims the group destroyed four brand new apartments in Brisbane and that one of the men left her an abusive message.
According to a travel agent who anonymously posted on Facebook, some of the group are on their way to Hawaii.
She told Brisbane’s Hit radio station that a group of men came into her agency and booked tickets for seven adults and six children.
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming described the group as ‘incredibly brazen’ and ‘disrespectful.’
‘They are good at creating diversions and distractions/disruptions to either steal goods or demand goods and services for free,’ he said.
‘They are aggressive and usually work in groups of two or more.’
Another group involves several men who solicit for work offering discounted repairs on bitumen driveways and roofing
They then provided sub-standard services, failed to complete the work or to even turn up
He added: ‘I again urge homeowners to say no to anyone offering door to door home repairs until you are able to make an informed decision and know that this is a legitimate offer.’
At a press conference last week, he said: ‘Based on the CCTV they don’t seem to be concerned in any way shape or form about being seen or detected.’
He added: ‘It’s one thing to make a mistake but what we’ve got before us appears to be a group of people who are incredibly brazen, disrespectful and they’re likely to continue to offend.’