Sunshine Coast Hardware Store Targeted in Brazen Australia Day Ram-Raid
A family-owned hardware business on the Sunshine Coast has been hit by a destructive ram-raid in the early hours of Australia Day, with thieves making off with thousands of dollars worth of high-value stock. The incident has left the local community shaken and the owners facing significant financial losses.
Early Morning Break-In at Mooloolah Valley Mitre 10
Queensland Police are investigating after offenders allegedly used vehicles to ram the rear entrance of the Mitre 10 store on Bray Road in Mooloolah Valley at approximately 4:30 am on January 26. According to store owners Nick Duggan and his nephew Isaac Duggan, CCTV footage captured two vehicles—a white Hyundai and a blue Toyota Corolla—arriving at the premises before one was driven directly into the hardware store's door.
The thieves specifically targeted expensive equipment, clearing shelves of generators, chainsaws, and other valuable items. Nick Duggan revealed to media that the stolen goods ranged from around $400 to $1,000 per item, with the total theft and damage expected to exceed $10,000 once replacement costs for the destroyed door are factored in.
Community Shock and Support in Small Town
Mooloolah Valley, a tight-knit community of approximately 4,000 residents located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland about 90 minutes northeast of Brisbane, has been deeply affected by the brazen crime. Nick Duggan, whose family has lived in the town for three generations, expressed his disbelief at the level of destruction.
"Such a small town, you just would not think, especially that level of theft where they're prepared to ram-raid and destroy at that level. We would never have thought, ever," he said.
Despite the early morning intrusion, the owners opened the store later that day to continue serving customers, demonstrating their commitment to the community. Local residents quickly rallied around the business, with many offering help and words of encouragement both in person and through social media platforms.
CCTV Footage Reveals Methodical Theft
Security camera footage shows the alleged thieves methodically loading stolen goods into their two vehicles. The suspects appeared somewhat unfamiliar with the store layout initially, showing moments of confusion after entering, but quickly located the most valuable items.
"Once they found the expensive items, they just emptied the shelves as quick as they could, loaded up the two cars and took off," Nick Duggan explained.
The CCTV evidence reveals one individual dragging a heavy generator behind him while simultaneously carrying a chainsaw during the raid. Some items proved too cumbersome to lift and were dragged across the floor out of the store.
Safety Concerns and Security Upgrades
The store owner expressed relief that the incident occurred when the premises were empty, noting the potential for far worse consequences had staff been present during the break-in.
"I'm just happy it wasn't during the day ... seeing this footage of retail stores where people are doing it while staff are there, the impact is huge. It's scary enough happening while we're not there," he said.
Despite existing CCTV and alarm systems, the business now faces additional security expenses. Nick Duggan estimates needing to invest another $5,000 to $10,000 in enhanced protective measures, including stronger doors, bollards, and faster-response alarm systems to prevent future incidents.
Business Resilience and Community Commitment
Despite the substantial financial setback, the owners have emphasized their determination to maintain affordable pricing for local customers, choosing to absorb much of the loss rather than pass increased costs on to the community.
"As a local community, we really try and keep our prices down ... we'll cop the loss and just try and absorb it. It's already hard enough, let alone having something like this," Nick Duggan stated.
Queensland Police have confirmed their investigation into the break and enter remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to come forward and contact police.
