Thugs try to extort Fremantle restaurant

A South Fremantle pizza restaurant has been smashed up by two masked men after the owner refused to pay extortion money.

Security camera footage shows two men, one wearing a balaclava and the other a motorbike helmet, smashing glass display cabinets.

Police arrived at Ruocco's restaurant on South Terrace about 2.15pm on Saturday, October 1 after multiple calls regarding two people who had smashed glass display cabinets and fridge doors with a hammer.

"It was established the business owner had been receiving ongoing threats that he and his staff would be assaulted if he did not hand over money on a regular basis," a police statement said.

Police say one of the people then returned to the restaurant when they were there and he was immediately arrested.

A 25-year-old man from Jandakot was charged with demanding property by oral threats, was refused bail and is due to appear in the Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 18.

Police are still trying to identify the second person involved.