Gold Coast salesman James Ross-Munro thwarts robbery with busted thong, says he’s no hero

HE’S been dubbed an Aussie hero but salesman James Ross-Munro says he’s just an regular bloke who saw a wrong that had to be righted.

HE’S been dubbed a Gold Coast hero but salesman James Ross-Munro says he’s just an Aussie bloke who saw a wrong that had to be righted.

It was about 1am on Saturday when the 25-year-old spotted two would-be thieves smash their way into takeaway shop Oporto on the Gold Coast Highway at Arundel.

Armed with only a busted thong, Mr Ross-Munro bolted to the shopfront where he ripped off his shirt and took the keys from the ignition of the waiting getaway car.

James Ross-Munro chased the offenders when they tried to escape.

Mate Kane Wiblen videoed the whole dramatic incident, including when Mr Ross-Munro came to blows with an offender before chasing the two men, while screaming obscenities.

The video has gone viral on social media with Mr Wiblen’s original Facebook post attracting 1.5 million views in just two days.

“We had just been dropped to the servo to get some two minute noodles after a night out at Options Tavern,” Mr Ross-Munro said.

“I’d just tried to jump a sign and busted my brand new Rip Curl pluggas when I saw a white Commodore with no numberplates and an open door outside the shop.

“Kane was already filming me because of the failed advertising sign jump but when we saw the dodgy car and realised guys had broken in we ran over.

James Ross-Munro and Kane Wiblen foiled a robbery while walking home. Photo: Kit Wise

“There wasn’t much time to think, the first thing I did was rip my singlet off; it’s Aussie to be shirtless in a fight and I didn’t want my shirt to get dirty.

“I grabbed the keys out of the ignition and a few minutes later two guys with shirts over their faces came out.

“The first one saw me and bolted but the second one just got in the car, so I jumped straight in after him.

“As I did I did think ‘what if he’s armed’, but I couldn’t see a weapon, so we had a chat and I laid into him a couple of times.

“He tried to keep his face covered, then ran off, I chased, but not for long, I’m too fat for cardio.”

Mr Ross-Munro said he was shocked the video had taken off.

“People are saying I’m a hero, which is kind of weird; I don’t think I am. I’m just an Aussie bloke that saw a wrong that had to be righted,” he said.

“When I saw the car I just thought it could be a stolen family car being used in a robbery and it’s just not right.

“I have thought since it could have ended up being pretty dangerous, but I would do it again.”

James Ross-Munro and Kane Wiblen celebrate their fame doing a 'thongie'. Photo: Kit Wise

Mr Wiblen, who is visiting from Ipswich, said he yelled to the service station attendant to call the police.

“It was pretty full on and it’s crazy how far the video has gone; we became famous overnight,” he said.

Inspector Scott MacQueen commended the quick-thinking best mates, but said Mr Ross-Munro put himself in danger jumping in the getaway car.

“This incident was resolved without injuries, but we would urge members of the public contact police rather than confront offenders,” he said.

“Taking the keys from the ignition would have been enough to slow the offenders down, jumping in the car was not needed.

“Police are specially trained to respond to these situations, they have tasers, capsicum spray and guns.

“A gentleman with a busted thong just doesn’t have the same capabilities.”

Mr Ross-Munro said his new found fame had brought him online haters, but also the offer of a year’s supply of pluggas.

“That will be great for me as I’m always busting my pluggas — my missus was more mad about my broken thong than she was about what happened at the servo,” he said.

Police have confirmed a 23-year-old man is assisting with inquiries, but no charges have been laid.

Originally published as Gold Coast salesman James Ross-Munro thwarts robbery with busted thong, says he’s no hero