In a brazen display of criminal audacity, a thief has been captured on security footage laughing directly into the camera during a destructive break-in at a northwest Sydney restaurant. The unidentified man targeted Sam’s Chaoshan Hot Pot on Victoria Rd in Melrose Park in the early hours of Thursday morning, resulting in losses exceeding $10,000.
Restaurant Left Ransacked and Owners in Shock
The break-in occurred around 2am, with the perpetrator causing significant damage to the premises. Cupboards were smashed, and approximately $3,000 in cash was stolen along with five iPads used for customer orders, a Bluetooth speaker, and various other items. The restaurant was left in complete disarray, with owners Maggie Lin and her husband Sam Song discovering the devastation around 11am.
"I was so frustrated, really shocked, and honestly just helpless," Lin told reporters. "You can see him on our CCTV. He actually looks straight at the camera and smiles. Watching that made me so angry."
CCTV Footage Reveals Smiling Thief and Methodical Actions
Security footage shows the man wearing a black-and-white T-shirt, dark green shorts, and a white hoodie covering his head. He is seen using a tool to pry open the cash register shortly after gaining entry.
"He forced the till open, smashed it, pulled out all the cables, and broke open the cabinets underneath," Lin described. "Basically, anything he could open, he opened and went through."
In a particularly calculated move, the thief was observed pouring water into a large bottle of dishwashing liquid and splashing the mixture over areas he had touched. This appears to have been an attempt to remove fingerprints or other forensic evidence.
Police Report Complications and Personal Impact
The couple immediately attempted to contact police upon discovering the break-in but reported being unable to get through for approximately an hour. They were eventually advised to lodge a report online. However, Lin stated that while they submitted the report, NSW Police indicated they had not received it.
Facing the need to reopen their business to maintain their livelihood, the couple undertook the cleanup themselves and paid out of pocket to replace the stolen iPads. Originally from China’s Guangdong province, Lin moved to Australia in 1999 and has operated the restaurant for about a decade, noting they had never experienced anything similar before.
Growing Safety Concerns and Prevention Advice
"It feels like Sydney is becoming more unsafe," Lin expressed. "You feel more and more helpless, like crime is just getting worse."
Based on their experience, Lin offered practical advice to other business owners:
- Avoid leaving cash on premises overnight
- Secure valuable equipment properly
- Invest in strong, high-quality locks
- Ensure comprehensive CCTV coverage
- Consider installing alarm systems
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about business security in Sydney's metropolitan areas and the emotional toll such crimes take on small business operators.
