A West Vancouver barber has a yellow card for whoever is stealing the flags he displays outside his shop to celebrate the World Cup.
Michel Ibrahime has been placing the flags of competing countries outside his Ambleside shop every World Cup for the last 25 years, but this year, someone's World Cup fever has progressed to World Cup kleptomania.
"I've been doing the flags for the last 15 days but for the last five days, the flags have been stolen. Every day, two or three flags," Ibrahime said. "Now I'm scared to put them out anymore because I don't want the flags to be stolen. I put them out there for a celebration for the community to look after and share and enjoy ... and of course, the love of the game."
Neighbours and passersby have popped in to report they saw a man taking flags and riding away on a bicycle. Ibrahime has since contacted West Vancouver police, who now have a description of the suspect, he said. On Sunday, the thief made off with his Brazilian, Argentinean and German flags, which is particularly stinging as Ibrahime is a strong supporter of Germany.
"I'm always a Germany fan. Always," he said.
Even though he keeps spare flags around, Ibrahime now has a peace offering for the thief if the originals are returned before the tournament ends.
"I want everybody to enjoy these flags until the World Cup is over and after the World Cup, gladly, I will give him the flag," he said. "I'll give him a jersey too if he wants. ... My shop is like FIFA centre."
West Vancouver police are looking into the case.
