LATEST @ May 28 | Police have wasted no time in tracking down an alleged serial tip jar thief targeting cafes across the Gold Coast.
The woman is accused of hitting five cafes across Surfers Paradise, Biggera Waters, Inala, Brisbane and Coolangatta between April and May this year.
CCTV shows the brazen cash thief emptying staff tip jars and charity tins into her handbag before casually walking out.
Following investigations, a 50-year-old woman was arrested at a hotel in Surfers Paradise on Wednesday night.
The woman, from Greenslopes, has been charged with six counts of stealing, and one count each of common assault and possessing knife in a public place.
She’s due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today.
SEE HER ARREST BELOW:
EARLIER @ May 27 | A major search is underway for a serial tip jar thief targeting cafes across the Gold Coast.
The woman has been caught red-handed on CCTV emptying tip jars and charity tins directly into her handbag before casually walking off.
The brazen crime spree came to light after Goya Cafe in Broadbeach posted security footage of the culprit online.
The video quickly went viral, prompting a wave of fellow business owners to come forward with their own footage appearing to show the exact same woman targeting their stores.
The scale of the theft stretches from cafes in Broadbeach all the way south through Miami, Coolangatta, and Kirra.
Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating.
