Outback pubs targeted in overnight break-ins
Two outback Queensland hotels have been hit in overnight break-ins, with authorities investigating the linked incidents. CCTV footage reportedly captured two individuals conducting the raids, making off with beer, cigarettes, and cash.
Police are investigating after the Railway Hotel on Herbert Street in Goondiwindi was allegedly targeted around 12:50 am on Tuesday. According to reports, the pair broke into a storage container and stole a carton of beer.
Less than an hour later, at approximately 1:30 am, the Toobeah Hotel was also allegedly targeted. An amount of cash, believed to be the till float, was reportedly stolen. Footage is said to show the two individuals using a crowbar to force entry into the till, with their faces obscured by shirts tied over their heads.
“They just cruised in here about 2am in the morning, came in, destroyed the tills, stole a heap of p-ss and durries and all the cash,” Toobeah Hotel owner Michael Offerdahl said.
“They just kicked in the back door, pushed it in a spot we are renovating there. They had obviously been through the pub and knew where they were going.”
Offerdahl estimated the total amount stolen to be around $6000.
“They’ve just gone completely rogue. Even going through the footage, they don’t actually look like they’ve done a lot of crime before. They dropped stuff on the floor and pick it up and put it back away, then tried to make it look like they sort of hadn’t been there. Other than smashing the tills apart, the bastards even shut the door behind them.”
Police believe the two incidents are connected and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as their investigation continues.
Jonathan Jackson, 14th May 2025
