Coorparoo art gallery break-in: More than $10,000 of artwork stolen

CCTV has captured the brazen moment two thieves made off with a large number of artworks from a Brisbane studio that the owner says has been targeted three times in the past month.

A woman whose art studio has been targeted three times in the past month says she doesn’t feel safe after a group of brazen thieves were caught on camera stealing nine artworks.

CCTV given to the Courier Mail shows two thieves using a crowbar to get into the Michelle Sparks Art studio at Coorparoo before quickly grabbing a number of artworks and running away on Sunday morning.

Michelle Sparks said it was the third time she had been targeted since November 9.

“Initially, three weeks ago, I had a break in where they smashed the front door, came in, climbed through the door and stole three artworks and it was after that I installed security cameras throughout the gallery,” Ms Sparks said.

Thieves made off with nine artworks from a Coorparoo art gallery.

“And then about four nights ago, I went to unlock the gallery in the morning and noticed that there were crowbar marks on the wood of the front door, and they were trying to lever the lock off.

“(Sunday), they came prepared. But after I had seen that crowbar mark, I put another security camera on the outside of the property and also a more heavy duty lock that couldn’t be cut, hoping that might deter them.”

Ms Sparks said they stole nine artworks the second time, totalling to more than $12,000 in losses.

“To be honest, I don’t feel safe. I’m nervous they’re going to hit me again. I feel like I’m a sitting duck,” she said.

Thieves made off with nine artworks from a Coorparoo art gallery.

“I think they’ll just keep returning. The minute they see some nice art in the window again, I think they would find a way to smash more windows.”

Leading into Christmas Ms Sparks said she had painted a large number of pieces for people buying presents for their family.

“It’s pretty devastating to lose such a significant amount of art at this time, and art that I honestly, I felt like I knew would sell,” she said.

“The message that I’m hoping to get out there is for, the local community to band together and share the video, which I’ve put on my social media.

Thieves made off with nine artworks from a Coorparoo art gallery.

“And really study and have a look at these people, because someone knows something.

“These artworks are unique, one off pieces. They’re not easily hidden. They stand out. They’re bright and colourful. So I think, you know, someone knows something somewhere. We just need them to come forward.”

It has not been confirmed if all three attacks are linked.