An Adelaide bakery owner has been injured after bravely confronting a shoplifter who attempted to steal food and drinks from his store. 

Security cameras captured the incident, which occurred around 7am on Saturday, with CCTV footage showing the thief entering the bakery in broad daylight, helping himself to the drinks fridge and a cake before heading towards the exit. 

However, owner Ryan Nguyen, who was working alone behind the counter, refused to let the theft go unchallenged.

“I just go around and go here to ask him to return the stuff back, and then he starts just hitting me twice,” he told 9News.

The scuffle was partially captured by the security cameras, with a chair appearing to be thrown before the thief fled the scene. 

Nguyen has been left limping with a sore foot and other visible injuries.

“He’s going to be traumatised, and he’s going to be very weary and uncomfortable with what’s going on… no one should be hurt,” customer Rhea Lesurf said.

Despite his injuries, Nguyen said he wouldn’t hesitate to confront a shoplifter again – although next time, he’ll call the police first.

“If we let it go like in the past and keep repeating, repeating, then one day he might steal the money,” he said.

Police have confirmed they’re investigating the incident.