In an unusual incident in Southern River, Perth, police are investigating a theft that saw a man making off with premium beef valued at several hundred dollars. Dubbed the “brisket bandit”, the suspect’s brazen act was captured on CCTV, where he can be seen snacking on some crackers before launching into the meat heist.
The butcher, John Bain of Rump Shakers Southern River, expressed his frustration at the theft. In the footage, the thief casually wanders through the store, examines the products, and then vaults over the counter to grab two freshly prepared briskets, weighing around 15 kilograms in total. Bain commented on the audacity of the thief, suggesting that he appeared unconcerned about being caught.
In response to the theft, Bain took to social media to alert the community and seek help in identifying the suspect. His post, which included the CCTV footage, attracted significant attention, with customers rallying to assist. Quotes from Bain conveyed his anger towards the thief, as he sarcastically remarked, “Smile, you piece of shit, you’re on camera,” and questioned the thief’s decision to act so brazenly in front of clearly placed surveillance cameras.
Online detectives within the community have successfully identified a potential suspect, which has been shared with law enforcement. The butcher has since forwarded the CCTV footage to the police, enhancing the chances of capturing the criminal. Despite this, Bain has been left to deal with the financial ramifications of the theft, highlighting the growing pressure faced by small businesses, which are already struggling with rising costs.
Bain emphasised his frustration regarding the broader implications of crime on small businesses, particularly in light of the current economic climate affecting many. He noted the increasing burden of costs and urged the individual to consider earning a living honestly rather than resorting to theft.
As the police investigation progresses and no charges have been filed yet, Bain plans to bolster security measures at his shop as a precaution. He concluded with a straightforward message to the thief: “Mate, go out and earn a dollar. Don’t steal from us.”
This incident has not only drawn the support of local customers but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by small enterprises in the community. The butcher’s commitment to addressing the situation demonstrates the resilience of business owners amidst such unfortunate circumstances.