Brisbane Woolworths store vandalised with graffiti amid Australia Day merchandise controversy
By Antonia O'Flaherty and Rachel RigaA Brisbane Woolworths store has been vandalised after the supermarket chain's decision to stop selling specific Australia Day merchandise.
The Woolworths Metro Teneriffe store on Commercial Road was closed on Monday morning after it was spray painted with profanities, and a flare was placed under the door triggering the fire alarm.
Police were called to the store around 5am, and three Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) crews attended the scene.
The graffiti written on the exterior of the supermarket store read "5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies F*** U", and the words "Boycott Woolies" was spray painted on the entrance doors.
A crime scene has been declared and Queensland police have called for public assistance after releasing CCTV of the incident.
In a statement, a Woolworths Group spokesperson said, "thankfully no team members or customers were injured as this occurred before the store opened".
"We're grateful to the police and fire brigade who attended. There's no reason for vandalism and we'll continue to liaise with Queensland police," the statement said.
Residents in the apartments above the building said they were evacuated in the early hours of the morning.
"Around 4:40am this morning the alarm went off and we were all out and about downstairs. Two fire engines ... lasted about half an hour I think and then they realised it was the Woolworths here on the corner and we were sent back up," a resident told ABC News on Monday morning.
The incident follows the Woolworths' Group announcement last week, confirming their stores would not stock specific Australia Day merchandise.
In explaining the decision, the company said there had been a gradual decline in demand for the merchandise in recent years.
The announcement prompted federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton to call for Australians to "boycott Woolworths" over the decision to not sell the products.
State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said no business should be targeted by vandals.
"I haven't heard if it's directly linked — if it is, that's really poor form and people in a country like Australia should be able to conduct their business without vigilantes," he said.
But Mr Crisafulli said he felt the supermarket giant made a mistake by stopping the sale of specific Australia Day merchandise.
Mr Dutton's office has also been contacted for comment.