The Block
Shock arrest!
Just when we thought The Block couldn’t throw us any more curveballs, the police show up on site to make two arrests. Work comes to a standstill when two labourers are arrested for stealing Norm and Jess’ credit card and racking up expenses to the tune of almost $1000. “We were blindsided,” says Jess. “We knew those guys and had invited them into our apartment, fed them, sang them happy birthday and gave them beers.”
CCTV footage showed the pair had gone on a bit of a shopping spree (which included buying charcoal chicken, petrol and fish hooks) at Jess and Norm’s expense. “When we found out it was them, no one on the entire worksite could believe it; they were the last people we’d have thought swiped our credit card,” explains Jess. “We felt tricked.”
One of the labourers was convicted of credit card fraud and deported, while the other was released. Luckily, Suncorp returned the money to Jess and Norm. “They looked devastated [when they were handcuffed]. Was it really worth it for some wine and chicken?” asks Jess.
It’s yet another blow for the lovable battlers. After two days of tears and tantrums, the couple have to move their fireplace this week. Installing it the first time almost broke Norm, and now he’s pushed to breaking point as he faces an even bigger job – and costs of a whopping $12,000.