Father's Stolen Vehicles Involved in High-Profile Hermès Ram Raid
A 31-year-old father, identified only as Zac, was left utterly stunned after discovering that both of his stolen cars had been used in a brazen ram raid on a luxury Hermès store in Brisbane's central business district. The shocking incident unfolded early on Monday morning when police contacted Zac to inform him that his Mercedes SUV had been abandoned after being driven into the designer boutique.
Double Theft and Criminal Exploitation
Zac recounted to 7NEWS.com.au that he was in a state of disbelief upon learning the details. "I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," he said, highlighting the personal nature of the thefts. Both vehicles prominently displayed his business's logo, and one even bore the personalized license plate MR ZAC, making them easily recognizable to many in the community. "I can't believe my car crashed into Hermès," he added, expressing his shock at the audacity of the crime.
The thefts occurred around 4 a.m. last Wednesday from the family's gated car park in Coorparoo, a break-in witnessed by Zac's six-year-old daughter after she was awakened by the noise. CCTV footage captured two masked men entering the premises and driving away with the two Mercedes within minutes. Police reported that three thieves used the first car to smash into the store, loaded stolen items into a second vehicle, and then fled in a third getaway car at approximately 3:08 a.m.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Zac believes the second car, with the MR ZAC plate, was used to transport luxury bags potentially worth thousands of dollars, and it remains missing. He and neighbors had spotted the vehicle being driven dangerously through the area in the days following the theft, with some reporting occupants wearing balaclavas. One neighbor described, "It came flying down our street. It was going so fast and they lost it coming round the corner."
Despite efforts to locate the car through online sharing, Zac stated he would not keep either vehicle if recovered, citing concerns over their potential misuse during the crimes. The thieves also took a set of keys attached to the car key, forcing Zac to change all locks at his home and business, adding to the disruption.
Family Trauma and Security Concerns
The incident severely impacted the family's Easter plans, forcing them to cancel a road trip and lose money on non-refundable Airbnb bookings. However, the most profound effect has been on Zac's daughter, who watched the theft from her bedroom above the car park. "Her room is right above the car park, and the noise woke her up. She watched the whole thing from her bed," Zac explained. "I was so scared when I heard that — what if she had gone downstairs?"
The six-year-old is now hesitant in her own home, requiring her father to enter rooms first and turn on lights before she follows. This ordeal has shaken the entire family's sense of security. "We used to feel our neighbourhood was quite safe, but now I check the doors and windows every night," Zac admitted. "Living here doesn't feel as comfortable as it used to."
Police confirmed that the abandoned Mercedes is undergoing forensic examination, and investigations into the theft are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to come forward to assist in the case.
