An award-winning Melbourne chef says her businesses have been broken into about seven times in three years. Her name is Sutinee “Tinee” Suntivatana. She posted a sad video asking for help in August 2026. It came hours after thieves broke into one of her shops and took money.
Key Facts
- Who: Tinee Suntivatana, a chef from Bangkok who lives in Melbourne.
- Her venues: Humble Rays, Tori’s bakery, Midday and Sugar Rays.
- Her award: A Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide, when Midday was called Regale.
- Latest break-in: Tori’s bakery in Niagara Lane, in the city.
- Cost: She says she has spent more than $60,000 on repairs and security.
What Happened
Security cameras filmed a man in a balaclava. He kicked the front door until the glass broke. Then he went in and took things from the counter. The front windows were smashed too.
Tinee said it was the first break-in at that shop. She said: “Unfortunately, it has become something we almost expect rather than something that shocks us anymore.”
“We Are Living in Fear”
In her video, she wrote: “I’m just a small business owner trying to make an honest living.” She said her shops have had windows smashed, doors forced open and things stolen.
She also said: “I get phone calls from police at 3am.” She and her husband then have to drive to the shop in the middle of the night.
A Strange Visit
Tinee told one story about a man who kicked in her cafe door last year. She said he came back the very next day. He asked for a free coffee.
Worried About Her Staff
Tinee’s businesses employ almost 100 people. She said she worries about their safety. Last year, a man became angry with staff at Midday and took bottles from behind the bar.
She said police are working hard and that crime is complicated. But she said business owners should not have to accept break-ins as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Melbourne chef?
Sutinee “Tinee” Suntivatana, who runs Humble Rays, Tori’s and Midday.
How much have the break-ins cost her?
She says more than $60,000 over several years.
Conclusion
Tinee says she will not give up on her dream. But she wants more done to keep small businesses safe.
Related reads: How a Motorbike Rider Cheats Death in Melbourne’s Burnley Tunnel; Melbourne Mum Chainsaw Incident: Neighbour Dispute Escalates; Distressing Footage: Melbourne Schoolboy Dragged by Bus.
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