Shots fired at tattoo parlour after threats

The Inside Outside Body Art tattoo shop was shot at on Wednesday night on the Sunshine Coast. The owners Michael Erlenmaier and Kerstin Limpke believe it was bikies trying to scare them off. Picture: Slade Megan Source: The Courier-Mail

SHOTS fired at a Sunshine Coast tattoo business overnight were an act of intimidation, its owners say.

Jeweller Michael Erlenmaier and his tattoo artist partner Kerstin Limpke say they have received threats from "biker gangs" in recent weeks.

Mr Erlenmaier said that since moving their Inside Outside Bodyart shop from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba, four weeks ago, the pressure had increased.

"We have been intimidated by biker gangs," he said.

"We received phone calls and two weeks ago they rocked up at the shop and told us they don't want us to do business.

The Inside Outside Body Art tattoo shop was shot at on Wednesday night on the Sunshine Coast. The owners Michael Erlenmaier and Kerstin Limpke believe it was bikies trying to scare them off. Picture: Slade Megan

"I told them: 'I will do my business'. Now we have had two bullets fired in our shop window.

"I am German. Since coming to Australia one-and-a-half years ago, I have noticed that bikers seem to run these businesses. They don't want anyone else to have anything to do with tattoo businesses."

Mr Erlenmaier said he wanted the public to know he and his partner were not affiliated with any groups.

"We are independent artists from Europe. People should know this," he said.

CRIME: Inside Outside Body Art at Sunshine Coast was shot at on Wednesday night. Picture: Slade Megan

Police say the incident occurred about 3.25am.

A man rode up to the front of the shop, located under a Mooloolaba resort, on a bicycle.

He paused and then pulled out a firearm and fired it at the window of the tattoo parlour.

Police say they have viewed security footage of the act.

• Anyone who saw a man riding a pushbike at the time of the incident on Brisbane Rd is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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