A third Nelson bar has had its tip jar stolen and it is believed the same man is behind each of the thefts.
The Vic Brew Bar had its tip jar stolen on Thursday evening and bar operations manager Howie Williams says there was “at least several hundred dollars” in it. It follows similar thefts in the past month at the Sprig & Fern on Hardy St and 623 in the City.
A man was arrested by police in relation to the Sprig & Fern theft but it is believed he didn’t turn up to his court appearance, although police were unable to confirm this in time for our print deadline.
Howie says they’ve passed the security camera footage onto police, as well as uploading it to their Facebook page. He says several people have commented on the page or called him to tell him the name of the man and he says it appears to be the same person who stole tip jars from the other Nelson bars. “We’ve had people call us and tell us who he is and where he lives so the public have been really helpful.”
Howie says money from the tip jars is collected over time and then counted and split amongst the front of house staff. He says staff usually get between $80 to $100 each and it’s a “nice little bonus”.
“For front of house staff, to get that extra $100 in your pocket makes a big difference so it’s pretty disappointing.”
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the latest theft.
