Waalwijk, Netherlands – Staff at the popular ice cream parlor La Bella Vita are reeling after their tip jar was stolen on Sunday afternoon. Owner Iwan Aerts expressed his dismay on social media,stating that the perpetrator is clearly identifiable on camera footage. Aerts has issued a public ultimatum, threatening to release the images if the thief does not come forward promptly.

Aerts confirmed that the footage has already been shared with the police. “I find it especially annoying for the girls,” he said on Monday. “Of course, we will ensure they still receive the money, but this is simply an absurd act.”

The owner’s social media post garnered a significant response Sunday evening, with customers expressing outrage and condemning the thief’s behavior as “too sad for words.” Some urged Aerts to release the camera images promptly.

Amidst the anger,there was also considerable sympathy. One man called the incident “sad” and spontaneously offered to donate towards a new tip jar. Aerts stated he was deeply touched by the outpouring of support.

This is not the first time La Bella Vita has been targeted. In 2022, a flower box on the terrace was overturned by vandals, leaving the area strewn with potting soil. Aerts shared a photograph of the damage on Facebook at the time, which also prompted widespread indignation.

As of Monday afternoon, the thief had not yet come forward.