KUALA LUMPUR: The self-service bookstore "Books n Bobs" in Taman Desa became the target of a brazen theft earlier today.
The bookstore, on its Facebook page said the incident unfolded around midday when a criminal entered the bookstore premises and proceeded to fill a large bag with books before nonchalantly walking out without making any payment.
It also said the audacious act, which occurred within a span of less than an hour, was captured on CCTV and witnessed by another customer present at the shop.
The proprietor of "Books n Bobs," said he was disappointed by the incident and believed it to be a premeditated and calculated crime.
Among the suspicious indicators that led to this conclusion, included the timing of the theft that coincided with the absence of shop staff and the suspect's familiarity with the store layout and routine.
"This is a totally disgusting act and more importantly, is disappointing behaviour.
"When we first opened our secondhand bookshop in Taman Desa, many people were surprised to find that it is a self-service concept and unmanned most of the time," he said.
Despite being aware of the risks, he was still shocked at the audacity of the perpetrator, especially considering the modest prices of the books sold at the store, which range from RM1 to RM25.
"The price of our books starts from RM1 and is mostly within the range of RM7 to RM25. Why would you, Mr Criminal, want to steal cheap books from a small local business like ours?" he said.
While the estimated monetary loss from the theft amounts to RM150-200, the bookstore said what hurts more than the financial setback is the moral decay exhibited by the perpetrator.
The bookstore owner urged anyone with information regarding the identity of the thief to come forward and assist in bringing the culprit to justice.
