Backpackers allegedly break into Gold Coast home to use swimming pool and toilets

Three backpackers have led police on a daring chase along a Gold Coast canal after allegedly breaking into a multimillion-dollar property to use the swimming pool and toilets.

The three backpackers, aged in their 20s, had been partying on one side of a Surfers Paradise canal when they decided to strip off and swim across the bull shark-infested river to reach the home, police said.

"My wife rang me to say that some people had broken into our house. They’d been swimming in the pool and they’d raided the refrigerator," owner Terence O’Sullivan said.

The offenders allegedly broke in, used the swimming pool while blaring loud music, used the toilets and stole "Light and Easy" meals from the refrigerator.

When Mr O'Sullivan arrived home, he approached the backpackers on the street and was allegedly attacked when he tried to take photos of them.

"They realised what the purpose of the photos were and then the three of them came after me," he said.

"They just sort of grabbed me and I grabbed them and we just sort of rolled around, one of them was swinging a flare at me."

At the same time, police said three other teenagers were stealing a tinny from another property nearby.

CCTV footage shows them sneaking through the backyard before becoming stranded on the canal after the boat’s motor wouldn’t start.

Within 30 minutes, police managed to arrest all six people.  

The backpackers are facing several charges, including burglary and assault.