P and the art of surveillance

Slightly changed but a true story this. 

Being a PI and catching crooks stealing product gives you a big high. But sometimes you have to go the extra mile to get a result for your client.

This job was typical, the client suspected a staffer was stealing product on the late shift, after all the management had left for the night sharp at 5pm. My task was simply to conduct observations and see if any product went astray.

One issue was the lack of cover to conduct surveillance. There was no chance of installing covert cameras and nowhere to park the surveillance van. It had to be a "hard lay" job. Being a dilligent PI and having watched every episode of "Man versus Wild" a cunning plan was created. So on the Sunday afternoon, in the paddock just opposite, a new bush appeared, brought there by me, having cut the same down from another location. The bush gave a good view across the road and into the loading bay but we only had a few days until the greenery would wilt and die.

That Monday I crept into the Obs position equipped with camera, RT and dictaphone. My mate was parked up the road ready to follow anyone who might remove product.

About an hour into the task, it had just gotten dark, when a Holden Commodore appeared on the scene, circled around before stopping next to my spot. The driver got out looked around and then walked straight towards where I was lying.

What to do ? Jump up ! Run away ! Had we been sprung ? All these things flash into your mind in an instant. Nope, I just curled into a ball and waited for whatever might happen. Next thing I know a torrent of P is soaking my back and lasts for what seems ages but is actually less than a minute. Happy, the guy shakes himself off and then drives to the loading bay where he is seen stealing as suspected. He was stopped up the road by my mate. He and the staffer were interviewed and admitted the offending.

So there you have it. P only ends up getting you in trouble.

Ron McQuilter