Armed raiders zip-tie Cazalys workers
TWO balaclava-wearing bandits armed with a gun and iron bar zip-tied five workers before ransacking a Cairns sporting club this morning.
Two employees were approached by the pair as they walked to their vehicles in the rear car park of Cazalys on Mulgrave Rd at 1.30am.
The men threatened the workers and followed them back into the club.
They used zip-ties to bind the workers.
The pair then tied up three cleaners who were also inside the club at the time.
The culprits stole cash and fled in an employee’s car.
A police spokeswoman said initial reports suggested one of the offenders was armed with a gun and the other with an iron bar.
Cairns detectives will not reveal the amount stolen.
Cazalys Cairns general manager Jason Salecich said those involved in the incident were unhurt but shaken.
He said the club will keep running as usual today.
"This of course has been very distressing for our whole close knit team here at the club, as for a lot of our members and staff, Cazalys is just as much home as our own residences," Mr Salecich said.
"The club has already sought counselling to assist our staff through this very stressful time.
"The club nor any other staff member or representative of the club will be making any further comment at this time in order to allow police to carry out their investigations as promptly and efficiently as possible, and hopefully catch these desperate and cowardice offenders."
One employee freed himself and untied the others as the robbers took off with three large carry bags.
The offenders stole one of the victim’s red Holden Barina, which was later dumped on Dillon St, Westcourt.
Inspector of Crime Services Peter Mansfield described the robbery as "well planned and well organised."
"The men wore full faced balaclavas with the eyes exposed and a slit at the mouth," he told a media conference at Cairns Police Station this afternoon.
"There were also a number of carry bags that were used in the robbery and used to take a sum of money away.
"There were two blue and one green carry bags. They looked reasonably new and in good condition.
"We are working on information we have at hand and we are appealing for members of the public for further information on the dumped car and if they find carry bags dumped in a bin or anywhere please call Cairns CIB immediately."
Anyone with information should call Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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