In a shocking display of festive-season audacity, two thieves were caught on camera singing the Christmas classic 'Santa Baby' as they ransacked a family-run hardware store. The incident, which has left a local community reeling, occurred in the early hours of the morning at the long-established Bunnings of Bury store in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
The Brazen Burglary Caught on Camera
The store's CCTV system captured the entire brazen act. The footage shows the pair, dressed in dark clothing with their faces obscured, systematically emptying display cabinets and shelves. The burglary took place between 2:30 am and 3:30 am on a recent morning, a time when the town was quiet. As they pilfered goods, their rendition of Eartha Kitt's 'Santa Baby' provided a grotesque soundtrack to the crime.
"They clearly had no Christmas spirit," said a spokesperson for the devastated store owners. The family-run business, a fixture in the community for years, was targeted in what appears to be a premeditated break-in. The thieves forced entry into the premises before embarking on their callous shopping spree.
Community Outrage and Police Investigation
The local community has reacted with a mixture of anger and sympathy for the store's proprietors. Residents have described the act as "heartless" and a "kick in the teeth" for a hard-working local family, especially during a challenging economic period for independent retailers.
Suffolk Police have confirmed they are investigating the burglary and are reviewing the CCTV evidence. Officers are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the two individuals involved. The force has urged anyone who recognises the men from the footage or who saw suspicious activity in the area of St Andrew's Street South that night to come forward immediately.
The value of the stolen stock is still being assessed, but the emotional impact on the store's owners is immeasurable. This incident highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to crime and the brazen nature of some offenders who operate without fear of immediate consequence.
A Call for Vigilance
In the wake of the burglary, police and local business groups are reminding shopkeepers to ensure their security measures are robust. Recommendations include installing high-quality CCTV, ensuring alarm systems are fully operational, and not leaving high-value items on display overnight.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that the distinctive and chilling audio from the CCTV—the thieves' own voices singing a Christmas tune—will be the key to their downfall. The community of Bury St Edmunds now waits, hoping these modern-day Grinches are brought to justice before the festive season is over.
