A North Queensland man has been arrested after he allegedly robbed two sex workers at gun and knifepoint.
Key points:
- The man has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and several other offences
- Police say the alleged crimes were "serious and traumatic" and that the women were operating in a "perfectly legal" manner
- They say they will investigate any incident similar to what has been alleged and provide support to those affected
Police allege a 30-year-old man from Bowen booked an appointment with a woman for 1am on Tuesday, September 19.
Detective senior sergeant Chris Eaton alleged the man arrived at the massage business on Nebo Road and, before any services started, pulled out a gun.
The man is accused of taking cards and cash from a woman and leaving.
Police allege he booked a second appointment with a different woman in Mackay for 4pm that afternoon.
Inspector Eaton alleged that the man robbed the second sex worker at knifepoint and fled with the money.
The women, both aged in their 50s, were unharmed and later contacted police.
Earlier today police were able to find the man, who was on a return-to-prison warrant.
He is expected to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court today to face two charges of armed robbery.
He has also been charged with one count each of fraud, marijuana possession and failing to appear in court.
'Serious and traumatic'
Inspector Eaton said the women were operating in a "perfectly legal" manner and that alleged that they were the victims of "two really serious and traumatic events".
"They were certainly legitimate business owners and operators and they have the right to safety, as every other member of the community does, whether that be in their own home or conducting their business," he said.
"It's not normal for us here in Mackay, but it certainly does happen occasionally.
"Sex workers can often be in a very vulnerable position — they're working from home, they're working alone.
"We actively encourage any person who may have been the victim of such crimes to contact police so that we can not only conduct those investigations, but also support those workers who have been through such an incident."