Megan Gale and partner Shaun Hampson’s trendy restaurant targeted by thieves – just months after it was damaged in ‘serious’ fire and ransacked by burglars
Supermodel Megan Gale and her AFL star partner Shaun Hampson's Moonee Ponds restaurant Ascot Food + Wine have been targeted by thieves.
A 26-year-old man was caught around 8 a.m. Friday while allegedly searching through the restaurant, which is owned by the couple and chef David Stewart.
Police were called to the location and searched the man and found coins, an iPad and beer in his possession.
He allegedly entered the building through a window and was charged with trespassing, criminal damage and theft.
The man has been released on bail and is due to attend Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on June 11.
Supermodel Megan Gale (right) and her AFL star partner Shaun Hampson's (left) Moonee Ponds restaurant Ascot Food + Wine are targeted by thieves
Following the incident, David expressed his devastation in an Instagram story on Saturday.
“It breaks my heart to hear that we have been robbed again. I can't wait for this year to finally be over. Let's go to 2024,” he wrote.
It comes just months after the site was damaged by a major fire in July.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called to the restaurant after a fire broke out in the kitchen.
A 26-year-old man was caught around 8 a.m. Friday while allegedly searching through the restaurant, which is owned by the couple and chef David Stewart.
The fire brigade had the fire under control within minutes and the emergency services confirmed it The location was uninhabited at the time of the fire.
Shaun announced at the time that his restaurant was no longer trading, writing on Instagram: 'Following a serious fire, @ascotfoodandwine will unfortunately be closed until further notice.'
'Apologies to anyone who had bookings. We'll let you know as soon as we know more. Thank you for your continued support.”
The inferno started after the restaurant, which they opened in December 2017, was also targeted by thieves in February.
The offenders broke into the eatery and stole approximately $10-15,000 worth of liquor and $4,000 cash, leaving the office space in disarray.
The tip jar was also stolen.
It comes just months after the venue was closed indefinitely after being damaged by a major fire in July. Pictured Megan and Shaun with Dave Stewart (center)
“Hospitality is challenging enough and to break in it wasn't so much what was taken but rather the inconvenience it caused,” Hampson told the newspaper. Herald Sun at the time.
'We already have a shortage of staff and suddenly you have an office that is turned upside down… it is being kicked around while the sector is already bankrupt.'
Chef and co-owner Dave told the publication he felt “violated” by the looting.