'Absolute scumbag': Serial thief targets charity boxes, tip jars from inner-west cafes
A serial thief has been stealing charity collection tins and tip jars from restaurants across Sydney, pocketing donations that were intended to help terminally ill children and funds being raised by hard-working staff.
The unidentified man was captured on multiple CCTV cameras, taking containers of cash from at least four different businesses.
On Tuesday night, Seven News ran exclusive footage of the man taking a box of donations meant for children suffering with muscular dystrophy.
He casually used a menu, and then his jacket, to cover the box and carry it out of the store.
48 hours later, three more businesses have come forward showing almost identical footage – the same man, nonchalantly talking on the phone as he sneakily swipes tip jars.
During rush hour at Phoenix Charcoal Chicken in Annandale, store owner Harry Drakakis was distracted momentarily by a customer, but that’s all the time the opportunistic thief needed to commit his lowly crime.
As Mr Drakakis turned his back, the store’s tip jar that pays for the staff Christmas Party was slipped off the counter and under the man's jacket.
Mr Drakakis said he wanted the man apprehended.
"You're a scumbag. Absolute scumbag,” he told 7 News. “I hope he gets caught and, you know, gets what he deserves.”
Just down the road at the Fat Fish, the same thief was captured on camera with the exact same outcome.
Owner John Notaras said this time the grub pocketed more than just loose change.
"We reckon its about four months of tips so seven, eight hundred bucks,” he told 7 News.
More damning footage has been released from the Front Room Cafe in Newtown.
While the offender pretends to take a phone call, he waits until staff are distracted.
With another donation tin tucked under his arm, he slips away without being noticed.
Cafe owner Maryam Kristallis said she had no idea he was such a threat to the community.
"I've worked in a lot of cafes, and have never seen this type of thing before,” she said. "We just thought, because it wasn't a large amount of money, we just laughed at it.
“Until today, when I was going through my Facebook, I saw the same thing happening. Exactly the same trick, putting his jumper over the box.”
Since the story aired on Seven two nights ago, the security footage has been viewed more than 20,000 times online.
The video is not only helping police, but also encouraging business owners that have been targeted to come forward.
Police said they are closing in on the offender and are asking for anyone who identifies the man to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
