A business owner frustrated by persistent thefts at her jewellery store has taken proactive measures by releasing CCTV footage of the incidents. Anastasia Barba, co-owner of The Silver Collective, has been repeatedly targeted by thieves at her Westfield Miranda and Parramatta boutique stores.
Caught on Camera
In one video, a woman wearing a grey gilet is seen quickly taking several items before walking away with her hands at her sides. Another individual, dressed in a dark blue top with white markings, appears to take a bracelet and place it on her wrist before folding her arms. A second clip shows a person in a black hoodie browsing a necklace display and then leaving with one. A staff member can be heard shouting at the thief before chasing them with a colleague. In additional footage, a seemingly casual shoplifter slowly selects items and places them into his bag as he strolls away.
Reporting and Response
Ms Barba stated that many more incidents were captured on camera and that all have been reported to police and shopping centre security. 'We have sent their photo to Westfield security, to the police and they are now dealing with it,' she said. 'Standard protocol is you take a screenshot of someone's face and send to Westfield. They then track you walking around the centre and can see what time you entered and what time you left.'
Despite her frustration, Ms Barba chose to blur the faces in the footage to avoid 'ruining people's lives on the internet'. She also issued a warning to potential thieves: 'Just know that if you are thinking about stealing from us or any retail store, there are cameras everywhere. Don't do it, you're gonna get caught.'
Public Support
Many social media users praised Ms Barba for her approach. Comments included: 'Good on you darling, I think this is a good approach,' and 'Good on you for calling them out and giving them a way out. Hopefully this will work as a good warning for them.' Another user said, 'I swear, aren’t they embarrassed, good on you for making this.' A fellow business owner even recognized one of the thieves, commenting, 'What? I know this man! He came into my shop today and I was talking to him.'
Daily Mail has contacted Ms Barba and Westfield for further comment.
