Manhunt and $5k reward after thieves steal VR gaming truck

As Cyclone Alfred battered the coast, thieves seized the moment to steal a Logan businessman’s truck, packed with $100,000 of VR gear, leaving him financially devastated. WATCH THE VIDEO

CCTV footage shows the red truck at the Beenleigh address. Picture: Contributed

Two brazen thieves took advantage of the mayhem of Cyclone Alfred last week to execute a daring truck heist in Beenleigh, leaving a young Logan businessman reeling from the devastating loss.

Police said the incident unfolded outside a business in Thorsborne St, Beenleigh, just after 6.30pm on Friday, March 7, as the cyclone headed towards the coast.

The stolen vehicle, a bright red 2007 Isuzu, was loaded with more than $100,000 of cutting-edge virtual reality and 3D gaming equipment, critical to owner Tim Pintilie’s retail business.

Logan business owner Tim Pintilie’s truck with his VR and 3D gaming machines was stolen from Beenleigh during Cyclone Alfred. Pictures: Contributed

CCTV footage handed to police captured the two, clad in high-visibility shirts, outside the truck before hot-wiring it.

However, their getaway was anything but smooth.

In a twist of fate, the video shows the pair, struggling with the stormy conditions.

One has to exit the vehicle mid-theft to reconnect a battery terminal, slipping and falling on the wet pavement in a frantic attempt to flee.

Despite Mr Pintilie swiftly reporting the crime to police, authorities said accessing crucial traffic camera footage could take weeks.

Adding insult to injury, his insurance provider has refused to cover the loss, leaving him in financial turmoil.

Customers playing on the VR and 3D machines inside a Logan shopping mall.

“This truck is my livelihood. I’ve spent seven years building this business, and in one night, I lost everything,” he said.

“It’s gut-wrenching because they didn’t just steal my truck, they stole my future.”

It is believed that the truck was photographed using the Logan Motorway toll road at 11.24pm on Saturday, March 8.

The truck is described as a large, bright red Isuzu with a torn canvas on the passenger side.

Determined to recover his stolen property and bring the perpetrators to justice, Mr Pintilie is offering a $5000 reward for the truck’s safe return.

“We need to send a message — crime is out of control, and people need to wake up to what’s happening in our own backyard,” he said.