Man 'steals hot meatball sub by shoving it down his pants'

Stolen goods are often referred to as being "hot", but one casual thief on the Gold Coast has given that bit of slang a new twist.

Police are trying to track down a man who allegedly performed a very unusual robbery at a grocery store in Noosa.

On March 1, a man walked into a convenience story at Tewantin and headed for the hot food display, according to Noosa Police.

He asked the shop attendant for a hot meatball sub, then promptly stuffed the sub down his shorts and briskly walked out without paying for the item.

After leaving the store, the man removed the item and continued walking away.

• 'Nothing left': Newlyweds, guests flee in terror as bushfire engulfs farm wedding

• Tiahleigh Palmer's foster father 'to plead guilty to her murder'

• Heinz misled consumers over 'healthy' kids' snack, court rules

The shop attendant ran out and attempted to accost the man, but was warned off.

The meatball sub thief was caught on the shop cameras wearing a red T-shirt, black shorts and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report anonymously online.