Shoplifter stole $5000 of meat from Adelaide supermarkets in a fortnight

An alleged thief has been caught on security footage stealing thousands of dollars worth of meat from 15 different supermarkets.

An alleged thief has been caught on security footage stealing thousands of dollars worth of meat from 15 different supermarkets.

An “invisible bandit” has been busted stealing thousands of dollars worth of expensive meat after targeting several supermarkets more than a dozen times in just two weeks.

The unidentified man, who has been described a “magician” for his proficiency in allegedly hiding pricey meat in his clothing, has reportedly stolen meat 15 times in the past month.

He has been captured on security cameras making a bee line straight for the meat at Drakes Supermarkets stores across Adelaide including Eyre, Gawler, Elizabeth Park, Torrensville, Newton, Semaphore and Gawler East.

After selecting the expensive cuts, he seemingly slides them into his jacket before heading through the checkout with a singular low cost item.

This man has allegedly fleeced $5000 worth of meat from Drakes Supermarket. Picture: Facebook/Jp Drake

He typically selected high quality wagyu and Angus beef, JP Drake from Drakes Supermarket told 7 News, having fleeced the business of more than $5000 worth of stock.

“He seems to make meat disappear … it’s magic, but it’s not the type of magic we like to see,” Mr Drake said.

Expensive meats have apparently become sought after items on the black market with thieves stealing it and using it to trade with drug dealers for other illegal items.

Footage that surfaced last week showed an individual wheeling a suitcase filled with stolen cuts of beef from Harris Farm Markets in Randwick, Sydney.

Business owners have claimed the soaring price of meat has made it a valuable item on the black market and it has been used to purchase drugs.

Private investigator Shane Windred has noted a rise in shoplifting rings nicking large quantities of expensive meat, worth up to $50 a kilogram.

South Australia police confirmed with news.com.au it was investigating the alleged meat thefts across Adelaide.

JP Drake has launched an investigation of his own, uploading security footage of the meat thief, who he has given the names Mr Potato Head and The BMW Man.

He joked with customers that he was keen to get the serial shoplifter’s autograph and asked for anyone who recognised him to offer a tip on where he could be found.

JP Drake has asked customers for help identifying the man. Picture: Facebook/Jp Drake

“Last weeks’ Customer Magician is this weeks’ remix, feat. (in chronological order) Eyre, Gawler, Elizabeth Park, Torrensville, Newton, Gawler, Semaphore, Gawler, Gawler East, Newton, Newton 2.0, Torrensville and Torrensville 2.0 – all in the past month,” Mr Drake wrote with an upload of his video.

“I’m keen to get his autograph – direct message me if you know who or where he is.”

Mr Drake added on Tuesday morning he believed the bandit had been spotted travelling east between Keith and Bordertown.

Police said any incidents of suspicious behaviour or theft at shops should be reported to the Police Assistance Line immediately.