A Bizarre Theft: A Designer Sink Stolen from a Restaurant Bathroom
In an astonishing incident that left a restaurant owner stunned, a woman was caught on CCTV stealing a designer sink from the customer toilets of Jardim Rodizio Grill in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Robert Melman, the 72-year-old owner of the restaurant, has spent 25 years in the hospitality industry and has encountered numerous unexpected situations, but this particular theft left him utterly baffled. The sink, valued at $190.19, was not only stolen but also removed along with its attached pipes, leaving the restroom cubicle in disarray.
The Act of Theft: A Calculated Move
The CCTV footage revealed the woman entering the toilets with a large, empty black bag on the evening of Thursday, February 20. Just 10 minutes later, she was seen exiting with the same bag, now visibly bulging. Robert, who reviewed the footage after being alerted by his cleaning staff, expressed his shock at the audacity of the theft. He humorously remarked, "I never thought I’m going to see this. It’s very good that she didn’t need the toilet. Otherwise, she would have taken the toilet." The woman’s apparent confidence and calculated approach left Robert questioning how she knew the sink was so easily accessible and dismantleable.
Robert Melman: A Seasoned Restaurateur’s Reaction
Having immigrated to England from Argentina 25 years ago, Robert has built a reputation in the hospitality industry, currently owning Jardim Rodizio Grill. Despite his extensive experience, the theft of the sink left him perplexed. He admitted, "I’ve seen a lot of things in hospitality – knives, forks, some glasses. I have had a lot of experience with people that steal from me. Wines, when I had other restaurants and the wine was on exhibition. But this? This is something entirely different." Robert’s tone reflected a mix of disbelief and dark humor as he grappled with the strangeness of the situation.
A History of Theft: Previous Incidents at the Restaurant
Unfortunately, this was not the first time Robert had fallen victim to theft. Just months prior, a $3,803.87 electric bicycle was stolen from his restaurant after someone forced their way into the premises. In that case, the police successfully apprehended the thief and brought them to justice. Despite this, Robert chose not to report the sink theft, stating, "I don’t think for this thing I need to bother the police. I don’t know. They have other important things to deal with." This decision underscores his pragmatic approach to minor thefts, though it also highlights the financial and emotional toll such incidents can take on small business owners.
The Aftermath: A Restaurant Owner’s Dilemma
The theft of the sink has left Robert questioning the motives of customers and the ease with which such crimes can be committed. He speculated that the woman might have previously visited the restaurant to scope out the location before carrying out the theft. "What I can think is maybe it was a customer who came one day, checked, and then came another day to do the job?" he mused. While the exact reason behind the theft remains unclear, the incident has reinforced Robert’s awareness of the vulnerabilities inherent in running a business frequented by the public.
Conclusion: A Lighter Note Amidst the Chaos
As Robert reflects on the incident, he finds some solace in the fact that the woman did not take anything else from the restaurant. "She was passing the buffet and she was thinking maybe to have some food as well, with her hands," he said with a chuckle. "Thank God she didn’t take anything." While the theft of the sink has left him understandably frustrated, Robert’s ability to find humor in the situation is a testament to his resilience and decades-long dedication to the hospitality industry. This bizarre incident, while unfortunate, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life as a small business owner.
