A recent incident at a Southern River butcher shop has left the owner fuming and prompted a police investigation. Dubbed the “brisket bandit,” the thief’s antics were captured on CCTV, showing him casually munching on a box of Shapes crackers before committing the crime.

John Bain, owner of Rump Shakers Southern River, shared his frustration with 9News, describing how the suspect brazenly wandered through the store, snacking on crackers before leaping over the counter to steal two briskets. Bain estimates the stolen meat weighed approximately 15 kilograms.

“It’s infuriating,” Bain remarked, expressing disbelief at the thief’s apparent indifference to getting caught.

In an effort to track down the culprit, Bain took to social media to alert the community. His post was met with an outpouring of support from loyal customers eager to assist in recovering the stolen goods.

“It just annoys me, he obviously didn’t care about being caught I reckon,” Bain said.

Bain posted about the theft on social media and was inundated with loyal customers trying to help.

“Smile you piece of shit your (sic) on camera,” he wrote this morning.

“Anyone know this low life?

“It’s going to be on every chat page I know and the police will have the footage this morning.

“Hey at least be a smart criminal and not stop in clear view of the camera’s (sic).”

Online sleuths have since been able to identify a potential suspect.

CCTV has been handed over to the police, who are investigating.

But in the meantime it’s a costly loss the small business has to absorb. 

“The uncontrollable costs are just going through the roof at the moment – not just me, not just butchers, small business in general, and families as well, we’re all feeling it,” Bain said.

Charges are yet to be laid over the theft but Bain says he’ll be beefing up security.

“Mate, go out and earn a dollar. Don’t steal from us,” he said.

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