Footage captures brazen thief stealing Baldivis family’s weekly Hello Fresh food shop in early morning blitz

Footage of a brazen early-morning thief has shone light on the desperation of West Australians as cost of living pressures continue to wreak havoc.

The robber targeted a home in Baldivis this week, with home security cameras capturing the hoodie-wearing bandit approaching just after 4.20am.

Wearing a black jumper with the hood pulled forward to conceal his face, black gloves, black shorts and black sneakers, the man could be seen helping himself to two large cardboard boxes.

The victim, who wanted to remain anonymous, described the frustrating act as a “d..k move”.

SEE THE THEFT IN THE VIDEO ABOVE

“He took our Hello Fresh boxes, so our meals for the week for a family of six (currently my husband’s parents are living with us),” she told The West Australian.

“Both my husband and I work full time on top of my husband’s dad being disabled, so the convenience of having easy meals with quick preparation is convenient for everyone.

“It was frustrating having to purchase a full week’s worth of groceries again.”

The resident has “no idea who the guy was”.

“We also have video footage of him hiding behind a ute as a neighbour was leaving for work so he wouldn’t get caught,” she said

“It’s never happened to us before but I’ve seen other posts/videos on Facebook of people stealing parcels from other people’s front doors before.

“It was just a really d..k move to make.”

She was given a full refund for the stolen food.

While the motive of the thief was unknown, food theft serves as an indicator of the cost of living pressures facing Western Australians.

The State has experienced record rental hikes and has one of the highest property price growths in the country.

Latest figures from WA Health revealed almost one in 10 adults (8.4 per cent) reported running out of food and not being able to afford to buy more in the past 12 months.

A combination of changing government policy settings, regulatory determinations, climate risks and volatility in agriculture prices are creating increased cost issues for households into 2026, according to global procurement and supply chain consultancy Proxima Australia.

High rates of retail theft, including stealing of food, led to the toughening of laws in WA that result in repeat offenders facing jail time.

The “fine only” penalty has been removed for smaller value thefts, while serial shoplifters may now face up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $24,000.