Right Boot Robbery Baffles Brisbane Shoe Boutique
In an odd twist of retail crime, a Brisbane boutique shoe store has been left baffled after a thief stole 52 right-foot boots, leaving behind all their mismatched left counterparts. The theft occurred outside Shoe Fashions, a family-run store in Kenmore, during the night.
The stolen boots were taken from a sale table placed outside the shop. CCTV footage captured the thief calmly packing the individual boots into suitcases, making no effort to hide his face. His strange method and composure have left staff and customers equally confused.
Owner Tamara Shorrock quickly dismissed the idea of a mistake. “It’s common practice for a shoe shop to put just the right foot on display. It looks tidier, it’s easier for us, and we don’t put pairs out because of theft most of the time,” she said.
The incident has left the store out nearly $6,000 in stock, calculated at sale prices. For a small boutique, it’s a serious financial hit—one made worse by the absurdity of the crime.
Mystery Deepens Over Single-Shoe Crime
Footage of the event shows a man confidently rolling suitcases full of right boots. “One would think it would be common sense,” Shorrock remarked, clearly frustrated. The community, too, is puzzled. One local shopper said the theft was “heartbreaking”, while another questioned, “What’s he going to do with them anyway?”
Shorrock has remained hopeful the stolen items might be returned. “Please bring the boots back,” she pleaded. “Drop them under the table, put a face mask on, a hat… Go incognito, we don’t care. Bring them back, no questions asked.”
Despite the seemingly humorous side of the incident, the crime has serious consequences. Small businesses like Shoe Fashions operate on thin margins. A hit like this could impact their operations for months.
Queensland Police are currently investigating the theft and have appealed for public assistance in identifying the man in the video. Given how clearly his face was shown, authorities remain optimistic about tracking him down.
The Bigger Cost Behind a Strange Theft
While the stolen goods may seem minor in value compared to other thefts, the symbolic damage to small retailers is profound. For Shoe Fashions, it’s not just about missing stock—it’s about the sense of vulnerability and violation.
Oddly, this isn’t the first time retailers have reported unusual patterns in theft. But stealing 52 of only the right shoes has placed this case among the most bizarre in Brisbane’s recent retail crimes.
In the end, as the store waits and hopes, the community watches—bemused and supportive. One thing’s certain: this strange theft has stepped deep into the spotlight.
