In an unusual incident on the Gold Coast, a thief was caught on CCTV while allegedly breaking into Gelato Gemelli, a Broadbeach restaurant temporarily closed due to ex-Cyclone Alfred. The individual smashed through the glass door around midday, taking advantage of the empty establishment.
Alec Carney from the Gemelli Group described the act as particularly audacious, noting, “It was very brazen of him to come at midday.” Video footage revealed the intruder initially rummaging around the cash register but ultimately deciding to indulge in the restaurant’s famous gelato instead. Carney shared some relief, commenting that it was amusing the thief bypassed high-end liquor to head straight for the gelato cabinet.
The accused thief leisurely sampled six scoops of gelato, with a keen preference for pistachio. Carney whimsically compared the situation to a “mouse in a mouse trap,” highlighting how the gelato was too tempting to resist.
After satisfying his sweet tooth, the man attempted to leave with two stolen bottles of whiskey but made a critical mistake—he left behind his mobile phone. About an hour later, he returned for it, only to find police, who had traced him back to the scene, ready to arrest him just down the street. The 40-year-old has been charged with breaking and entering, as well as possession of suspected stolen goods, and is scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court soon.
Interestingly, despite the theft, the restaurant’s owners have expressed no intention to ban the individual from returning. Paul, another member of the Gemelli Group, even extended an olive branch, inviting him back for a complimentary gelato scoop if he wishes to return.