A small Brisbane shoe store is trying to solve a peculiar mystery after 52 boots were stolen — but only the right pair of each one.
The stock was cleared from a sale table outside family-run boutique Shoe Fashions in Kenmore.
CCTV footage shows the hot-footed thief packing the shoes in suitcases after closing time. He makes no attempt to hide his identity, leaving his face uncovered.
Shop owner Tamara Shorrock said she doesn't think the thief was mistaken.
"It's common practice for a shoe shop to put just the right foot on display. It looks tidier, it’s easier for us, and we don't put pairs out because of theft most of the time," she said.
"One would think it would be common sense."
The robbery has left the store out of pocket around $6,000 — a loss calculated based on sale price.
One perplexed shopper described it as "heartbreaking".
"I hope they return it [and] realise it doesn't make any sense.”
Another questioned: "What's he going to do with them anyway?"
Shorrock said it's not too late to make things right.
"Please bring the boots back," she pleaded.
"Drop them under the table, put a face mask on, a hat ... Go incognito, we don't care.
"Bring them back, no questions asked."
Queensland Police are investigating and have appealed for public assistance.
