Hippie Garage owners ‘name and shame’ to embarrass alleged criminals
A Central Queensland store has taken matters into their own hands after repeatedly being the victim of crime. VIDEOS
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A local retail store has taken matters into their own hands after repeatedly being targeted by alleged thieves.
Hippie Garage is an alternative retail business which operates two stores: one in Rockhampton City and another in Yeppoon.
On their Facebook page, they regularly “name and shame” alleged thieves, posting their photos, videos, names and social media profiles publicly.
Their posts have attracted a great deal of attention from the community, with some receiving over 100 likes.
Rockhampton Hippie Garage owner Calum Wayne Pearce said he thinks “naming and shaming” should be more commonplace.
“I do think that what we are doing, other people should do it as well. Because these people have records and criminal histories, people need to know who they are,” he said.
Mr Pearce has owned the store for eight years and noticed an increase in crime from 2022.
“[It happens] quite often, but more so recently. Probably the last two years there’s definitely been an increase,” he said.
Mr Pearce. also said the embarrassment of being caught in the act of theft seems to be a strong deterrent for criminals.
Not everybody is a fan of what Mr Pearce does, but he said it helps to build awareness in the community.
Hippie Garage co-owner Brian Zemek said he is tired of putting up with crime.
“It has got to the point that we are done with it and want to show everyone that we will not put up with it. And even with their sob story, they will be named and shamed, in-store and on social media,” he said.
“We are hoping other businesses jump on the bandwagon and start to name and shame people that are stealing from our business.”
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said police are investigating a shop stealing incident at an East Street business at Rockhampton City which occurred on Saturday, October 26.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police through PoliceLink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations are ongoing.
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