CCTV shows a man walking into Kenmore Village Shopping Centre on July 7 at 7.30pm and placing dozens of shoes into a suitcase.
Police and Shoe Fashions Kenmore made a public appeal for the return of the shoes, which were covered up in the middle of a common area inside the centre.
Almost two weeks later, police arrested a 49-year-old man in Broadbeach last night and charged him with one count of entering a premises and committing an indicatable offence.
Despite the “unique” and “different” nature of the allegations, Queensland Police detective senior sergeant Brendan Blyth said police took all reports seriously.
“It’s not every day you come across a case involving the theft of 53 right shoes,” Blyth said.
“Thanks to good CCTV coverage and assistance from the public, we were able to locate the shoes and return them to the business.”
Shoe Fashions Kenmore declared the “great right boot heist” as “officially over” after the shoes were returned to the store.
”Our stylish little outlaws have finally made their way home after an adventure around BrisVegas,” the business said on social media.
“They’ve returned looking as fab (and slightly more notorious) than ever with just a wee touch of criminal fame.”
The 49-year-old man is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court today
