McDonald’s and Hungry Jack’s targeted in crime spree across stores in Brisbane’s south
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Multiple fast food outlets, including McDonald’s and Hungry Jack’s, are targeted by a brazen gang of armed ‘burgers’ in a 24-hour crime spree.
- Four fast food outlets attacked by armed robbers in 24 hours
- Teenage workers threatened with a gun and a knife during the incidents
- Two of the robberies caught on CCTV as police launch public appeal
A gang of thirsty armed robbers is on a desperate manhunt that has terrorized teenage staff at four fast food outlets in the space of 24 hours.
Shocking CCTV has emerged from the brazen group’s crime spree at three Hungry Jack’s stores and a McDonald’s on Brisbane’s south side.
The first incident on Sunday night at a Hungry Jack’s in Springfield captured by CCTV shows a man brandishing a gun with two accomplices following him out a back entrance.
One of the robbers is seen brandishing a large knife before threatening the staff, while the other is shocked during the raid when she accidentally activates the drive-thru window.
Police believe the same group held up a McDonald’s in Rocklea and two other Hungry Jack’s in Salisbury and Algester in the space of 25 minutes the following night.
The first incident at Hungry Jack’s in Springfield on Sunday night was captured on CCTV and shows a man brandishing a firearm as he enters the store through the rear entrance.
Separate CCTV of one of the robberies on Monday night shows a trio entering the front door.
The masked man holds staff at gunpoint while carrying a bag of food as his accomplices raid the boxes.
The group helps themselves to drinks and nearly slips on the wet tiles as they flee the store.
A white Ford Falcon van used as a getaway vehicle in the four burglaries allegedly stolen days earlier was found abandoned at a Heathwood intersection several hours later.
No employees were physically injured in the robberies, but they are still traumatized by their ordeals.
Police believe the three main suspects include a man and two women and that their crimes involved an element of coordination and planning.
One of the women allegedly terrorized Hungry Jack’s Springfield staff with a large knife.
“They are brazen in their actions and we are treating it quite seriously,” Acting Inspector Michael Manago told reporters on Tuesday.
‘These are fast food outlets when we have young staff making a living.
“Everyone is traumatized and shocked by what happened and we are offering counseling in that regard to support them.”
Police could not say if the gun involved in the robberies was loaded or a replica.
“Any incident involving a firearm or dangerous weapon is of great concern to us.” Detective Acting Inspector Manago said.
Police are also trying to locate a fourth person involved who waited in the getaway car while the robberies were taking place.
The same trio were believed to be responsible for three more robberies on Monday night. In the photo, one captured on CCTV.
“I think there are people in the community who will know who is responsible for this series of crimes,” said Acting Detective Inspector Manago.
Additional security patrols of the fast food outlets involved have been increased.
McDonald’s said the well-being of its staff and customers was a “top priority.”
“No one was injured in the incident and we will continue to support all employees working at the time,” a spokesperson said.
Anyone with information or dashcam of the robberies or suspects is urged to contact police immediately.
The allegedly stolen van used as a getaway vehicle was found abandoned Monday night.