By Belinda Nolan
The youths held up the fast food restaurant in St Albans Rd at around 11.20pm on 18 February, stealing a bucket of money with donations for the Victorian and Queensland flood appeals- the second incident of its kind in Brimbank in recent weeks.
In a bizarre twist, the robbers used their hands as guns, threatening to “shoot” staff and patrons.
The youths, aged between 15-18, had covered their faces with scarves but were believed to be of African descent.
Senior Constable Mark Williamson, from the Brimbank Embona Unit told Star the robbery had happened so quickly some patrons had believed the robbers were armed with real guns.
The bungling duo had trouble removing the plastic bucket, which was chained to the front counter.
“They actually dropped the bucket on the ground, spilling the money everywhere,” Sen Const Williamson said.
“While one was fumbling to remove the bucket, the other was going around and picking up the coins off the floor.
“It happened so quickly people didn’t realise they weren’t real guns.”
Sen Const Williamson said donation tins often had hundreds of dollars in them.
“People often put in notes, especially for the floods because it was a disaster that really tugged on people’s heartstrings.”
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to catch the culprits. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
