In a brazen act that has shocked the local community, a thief targeted volunteers at the Bulli Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday, December 21, stealing personal items while lifesavers were actively patrolling the busy beach.
CCTV captures relaxed thief in the act
The incident, which was captured in detail by the club's security cameras, unfolded over a 30-minute period from approximately 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. The alleged thief, described as a man in his mid-20s with short dark hair and a trimmed beard, was seen casually dressed in dark shorts, a white Nike t-shirt, and white sneakers, with sunglasses perched on his head.
Footage shows the man wandering through the club facilities, allegedly rifling through bags, inspecting jetskis, and even looking inside the club's barbecue. He is also accused of attempting to access locked areas. At one point, he was so relaxed that he paused to smoke a vape while continuing to search the premises.
Volunteer confronted thief without realising
Surf club captain Jamie Caldwell revealed the audacity of the crime, stating that the alleged thief even spoke face-to-face with the volunteer he had just robbed. "They've actually came face-to-face with the guy who said he was looking for the toilet," Mr Caldwell said.
The stolen items included a wallet and a beard trimmer taken from a volunteer's bag. The targeted couple, who are members of the Bulli club but reside in Tasmania, were not officially rostered on that day. They had selflessly turned up to assist due to the extreme heat and large crowds on the beach.
The theft was only discovered later that afternoon when the couple were on a train to Sydney Airport, preparing to fly home to Tasmania for the holidays. After cancelling his bank cards, the volunteer received a notification that someone had attempted to use his debit card at a service station in Heathcote.
Crime follows solemn beachside vigil
The theft occurred just hours after Bulli SLSC volunteers and community members held a poignant three-minute silence on the beach. The vigil was to honour those killed and injured in the Bondi Beach terror attack exactly one week prior.
Mr Caldwell expressed profound disappointment at the incident. "Our volunteers give their time to keep the beach safe, and incidents like this are extremely disappointing," he stated.
The alleged theft has been reported to NSW Police. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
