Australian thieves steal and eat dog food, then sleep on roof of shop

Two newsagency break-in suspects were caught when they decided to get some shut-eye on the store's roof, a court has been told.

The Ipswich Magistrate's Court was told Chrystopher-Lee Schaeffer, 21, and a 16-year-old friend were found asleep huddled under a dog blanket on the roof of the North Ipswich Newsagency on July 23. Prosecutor Jo Colston said police were called to the newsagency when the owners reported a suspected break-in at about 1.50am.

Constable Colston said when police arrived they found Schaeffer and the boy asleep and surrounded by various magazines, drinks, food and the popular dog food treat "Schmackos".



The court was told the juvenile offender fronted the Ipswich Children's Court on Monday was ordered to perform community service. Schaeffer yesterday pleaded guilty to one count each of entering a premises with intent to commit an offence and illegally being in or on a premises.

Solicitor Matthew Fairclough, for Schaeffer, said his client had led a relatively itinerant lifestyle and could not say precisely why the pair thought it was good idea to take the dog food. "I'm not sure why the Schmackos dog (treats) were taken," a smiling Mr Fairclough said.

Acting magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist ordered Schaeffer to perform 50 hours of community service.