CCTV footage has captured the moment a father disrupted a brazen daylight robbery attempt at a jewelry store, tackling a would-be thief who was armed with a hammer, and performing a citizen’s arrest.
Anthony Haby, 31, and his partner Jane Fleming were shopping at Bendigo Marketplace just before 4 pm on Monday when they heard terrified screams and noises that sounded like gun shots coming from Stearns Showcase Jewelers.
The builder rushed into the store without hesitation, where he came face-to-face with a man in his 20s, smashing open glass display cases with a hammer in an alleged robbery attempt.
Mr Haby can be seen rushing over to the man, who has his arm inside one of the glass displays, and dramatically tackling him to the ground and pinning him there.
While Mr Haby apprehended the alleged thief, his partner Ms Fleming helped staff exit the store.
Minutes later, police and security arrived to assist Mr Haby, who then began comforting terrified staff members.
“He was amazing – to not think of himself and put himself in danger – and he was straight on him,” staff member Tina Carson told 9News.
“He thought it was gunshots – he didn’t know it was a hammer, he thought it was a gun – and he still came in and tackled him to the ground.
“He’s an Aussie hero.”
But Mr Haby said he believes he did what anyone would have done in the same situation.
“No, I’m not a hero. Just an everyday bloke, doing something needed to be done,” Mr Haby told 9News.
“Something I think any normal person would do really.
“Glad we could help. Glad no one got hurt – that was the main concern.”
Store Manager Cheryl Luvara said the team had nominated Mr Haby for a bravery award.
“Hopefully he’ll receive that because I think that’s what the award stands for,” she said.
The alleged offender has faced the Bendigo Magistrates court. He didn’t apply for bail, and has been remanded in custody until August.
The following day, the business updated customers on the incident via a Facebook post.
“As you might be aware, there was an incident at our store yesterday. We are pleased to share with you that our two staff members and one of our long-time customers are doing well and remain our highest priority. We are providing all the support and care they need in the wake of this incident,” they wrote.
“We want to recognise the bravery of a true hero, a member of the public, who stepped in during the incident to assist and apprehend the person involved in the incident until Police arrived. His courage and selflessness in such a challenging moment will not be forgotten and is appreciated by the team at Stearns.
“Also, the outstanding support and swift action from the management team and staff at Bendigo Marketplace.”
