Masked driver causes hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage after ramming an allegedly stolen ute into a leagues club
- A hunt is underway for a masked driver who allegedly rammed a ute into a club
- Toyota ute smashed through Wests Leagues Club Mackay early on Wednesday
- Queensland Police allege the driver cause extensive damage to the reception
A hunt is underway for a masked driver who allegedly rammed a stolen ute into a community leagues club, causing thousands of dollars of damage.
The Toyota Hilux utility smashed through the front doors of Wests Leagues Club Mackay, on Queensland’s east coast, at about 3am on Wednesday.
Queensland Police allege the ute caused extensive damage to doors, walls, the ceiling and reception as the masked driver tried to steal money from an ATM.
A hunt is underway for a masked driver who allegedly rammed a stolen ute into a community leagues club, causing thousands of dollars of damage
The Toyota Hilux utility smashed through the front doors of Wests Leagues Club Mackay, on Queensland’s east coast, at about 3am on Wednesday
The man was unsuccessful in his attempts to take cash and no property was stolen – but the premises on Branscombe Road was severely damaged.
The leagues club said they would be closed for business on Wednesday, sharing pictures of the devastation alongside their announcement.
‘Due to a ram-raid break in last night, Wests Leagues Club has experienced extreme damage and is unable to operate today,’ the post read.
The photos showed debris from the impact strewn along the floor of the reception.
The leagues club also shared CCTV from the reception which showed the moment the ute allegedly broke down the doors of the club.
The vehicle lurched backwards and forward at speed, leaving mass destruction in its path.
Queensland Police have shared CCTV images of a man dressed in black clothing and a face covering amid their investigations
Queensland Police allege the ute caused extensive damage to doors, walls, the ceiling and reception as the masked driver tried to steal money from an ATM
The leagues club said they would be closed for business on Wednesday, sharing pictures of the devastation alongside their announcement. The photos showed debris from the impact strewn along the floor of the reception
Wests Leagues Club Mackay manager Kingsley Theiber thanked the local community for their messages of support following the break in.
‘It’s been extremely humbling for all the members of the club and people of the community to come and offer their help and support,’ he said in a video to Facebook.
Mr Theiber described the damage as ‘extensive’ and said they would be working extremely hard to ensure the club is operational on Thursday.
‘If you could assist in any way, shape or form to help find the offender that has done this damage this morning, that would be appreciated,’ he concluded.
Queensland Police said the ute – which they allege was stolen from a home in Eton on Tuesday – was found dumped a short distance from the club.
Officers have also shared CCTV images of a man dressed in black clothing and a face covering amid their investigations.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink.
Wests Leagues Club Mackay hopes they will be operational again on Thursday. Pictured: Damage to the reception
CCTV showed the vehicle allegedly lurch backwards and forward at speed