Police have arrested and charged a 40-year-old man for allegedly vandalising a Woolworths Metro store in Teneriffe, Brisbane.
The Woolworths outlet on Commercial Road faced extensive damage as the perpetrator set off a flare under the door and spray-painted graffiti, resulting in the closure of the store and the evacuation of nearby residents.
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The Woolworths Metro Teneriffe store was targeted around 5 am when the accused reportedly ignited a flare, triggering the fire alarm system.
Responding to the activation, police arrived at the scene to discover graffiti sprawled across the exterior of the business.
The graffiti bore a provocative message that read, “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies F*** U,” alongside the words “Boycott Woolies” on the entrance doors.
The incident occurred in the wake of Woolworths Group’s decision not to stock specific Australia Day merchandise.
The Woolworths Group’s announcement led to a public outcry, with federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton urging Australians to “boycott Woolworths” in protest against the decision.
Woolworths employees promptly took action to clean the graffiti off the building, using high-pressure cleaners to restore the storefront’s appearance.
The arrested individual is set to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 21.
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