Teens’ alleged toilet robbery thwarted

Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly attempting to rob a man in a Gold Coast public toilet while armed with a gel blaster.

Queensland Police bodycam footage captured the moment officers cuffed the three teens after they allegedly demanded a man’s phone while he was using the bathroom in Surfers Paradise.

Officers can be seen confronting the group, instructing them to “get on the ground” before cuffing each of them.

“You had the gun, I’ve seen the gun,” an officer can be heard saying to the teen as he placed handcuffs on him outside of the public toilet.

“You had the gun didn’t you? You’ve tried to rob him, he’s had the gun.

“There’s a gel blaster there,” another officer said as he showed the toy gun to a colleague.

The third teen was arrested inside the bathroom, seen leaning against the wall near the toilet.

All three teenagers were arrested at the scene and there were no reported injuries.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

He was remanded in custody to appear in Southport Childrens Court on November 15.

A 17-year-old was charged with attempted armed robbery and was remanded in custody to appear in Southport Childrens Court on November 10.

Another 15-year-old boy, who received bail, was charged with attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

He will appear in Southport Childrens Court on November 15.

Gel guns, which can look very similar to deadly firearms, shoot water bullets or gel balls and are somewhat similar in design to paintball guns.

They are banned under firearms legislation in every state except Queensland, in which they are classified as a toy.