Scott James Price steals striplights from Mackay Bunnings

A Mackay man’s decision to stash striplights in his pants at Bunnings took an even stranger turn when he was asked to explain his crime.

A Mackay man stole striplights from Bunnings by stuffing them down his pants but, when asked why, cryptically said ‘‘I can’t say but there’d be a reason”.

When police asked a Bunnings shoplifter why he’d pinched striplights and put them down his pants, he replied “I can’t say, but there’d be a reason”.

The bizarre exchange was detailed in Mackay Magistrates Court where Scott James Price pleaded guilty to unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

Police prosecutor Ruth Whisker said Bunnings CCTV identified Price and another man stealing the lights, valued at $121, on May 12.

“(Price) has entered the store with another male and proceeded to the electrical section,” Ms Whisker said.

“(He) has then opened a box containing LED striplights and placed the item down his pants … then reconfigures his pants and shorts and continues within the store.

“The other male appears to be standing next to him and attempting to block the view of CCTV camera.

“They then browse around the store and proceeded to pass the registers, paying only for a can of spray paint.”

The court heard when police attended Price’s address on June 5, he admitted to the theft.

“When asked why he removed the items without paying, he gave the strange response.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer fined Price $300 and ordered he pay $121 restitution to Bunnings.

Convictions were recorded.