Coles shopper left in disbelief over store detail: 'Absolute madness'
- Replies 9
Supermarkets have implemented different policies to deter theft and prevent potential losses.
However, the sight of a $7.50 item locked in an anti-theft container at Coles has left many shoppers scratching their heads.
Coles customer Samantha Parkinson shared a video online of a 25g tube of Lucas' Papaw ointment encased in a security container, and captioned her video 'absolute madness'.
The video sparked a wave of reactions, with many agreeing with Parkinson's sentiment.
The initial outrage was fuelled by a misunderstanding over the price tag.
The $13 price tag displayed was for a larger tub of the ointment, and the smaller tube had been placed in the wrong shelf space.
One viewer commented: 'For $13 I'm keeping the container too!'
Coles has previously explained that such security measures are implemented to deter theft.
'While the majority of our customers do the right thing, from time to time individual stores make decisions to put additional security measures in place for some high-value products,' a spokesperson said.
'If a customer wishes to purchase the item, it’s as simple as getting the encasing removed at the checkout.'
You can watch the full video below, but please be advised that it has strong language:
Video source: TikTok/Samantha Parkinson.
While $7.50 may not seem like a high-value item, one commenter pointed out that the popularity of Lucas' Papaw ointment made it a prime target for shoplifters.
'People steal these from our work all the time,' they revealed.
The issue of shoplifting in Australian supermarkets has been on the rise, with some attributing the increase to tougher economic conditions, such as rising grocery prices and the rental crisis.
Coles has acknowledged the problem, stating it is 'regularly working with police to reduce shoplifting' in its stores.
A recent survey by comparison site Finder revealed that more than one in 10 Australians have admitted to stealing in the past year due to financial strain.
Additionally, about five per cent confessed to stealing items at the supermarket self-checkout.
This comes after Coles drew flak from customers due to their intense security changes.
These included the installation of more overhead surveillance cameras and the introduction of body cameras for workers.
These security enhancements reportedly fueled customer resentment, especially after Coles faced accusations of price gouging and revealed a $1.1 billion profit in the last financial year.
Social media is buzzing with dissatisfied customers discussing Coles' recent crackdown on theft, which has led to noticeable changes in customers' shopping experiences at their stores.
SDC member @Punkywinner said: 'This is an invasion of our privacy. Perhaps, if food and essential items were more affordable…stealing wouldn't be so prevalent!'
While member @DonneSherlock suggested: 'Employ staff to help customers rather than police them, and the crime rate would dramatically reduce.'
You can read more about this story here.
What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed an increase in security measures at your local supermarket? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
However, the sight of a $7.50 item locked in an anti-theft container at Coles has left many shoppers scratching their heads.
Coles customer Samantha Parkinson shared a video online of a 25g tube of Lucas' Papaw ointment encased in a security container, and captioned her video 'absolute madness'.
The video sparked a wave of reactions, with many agreeing with Parkinson's sentiment.
The initial outrage was fuelled by a misunderstanding over the price tag.
Lucas’ Papaw Ointments were seen in an anti-theft container at a Coles store. Image source: TikTok/Samantha Parkinson.
One viewer commented: 'For $13 I'm keeping the container too!'
Coles has previously explained that such security measures are implemented to deter theft.
'While the majority of our customers do the right thing, from time to time individual stores make decisions to put additional security measures in place for some high-value products,' a spokesperson said.
'If a customer wishes to purchase the item, it’s as simple as getting the encasing removed at the checkout.'
You can watch the full video below, but please be advised that it has strong language:
Video source: TikTok/Samantha Parkinson.
While $7.50 may not seem like a high-value item, one commenter pointed out that the popularity of Lucas' Papaw ointment made it a prime target for shoplifters.
'People steal these from our work all the time,' they revealed.
The issue of shoplifting in Australian supermarkets has been on the rise, with some attributing the increase to tougher economic conditions, such as rising grocery prices and the rental crisis.
Coles has acknowledged the problem, stating it is 'regularly working with police to reduce shoplifting' in its stores.
A recent survey by comparison site Finder revealed that more than one in 10 Australians have admitted to stealing in the past year due to financial strain.
Additionally, about five per cent confessed to stealing items at the supermarket self-checkout.
This comes after Coles drew flak from customers due to their intense security changes.
These included the installation of more overhead surveillance cameras and the introduction of body cameras for workers.
These security enhancements reportedly fueled customer resentment, especially after Coles faced accusations of price gouging and revealed a $1.1 billion profit in the last financial year.
Social media is buzzing with dissatisfied customers discussing Coles' recent crackdown on theft, which has led to noticeable changes in customers' shopping experiences at their stores.
SDC member @Punkywinner said: 'This is an invasion of our privacy. Perhaps, if food and essential items were more affordable…stealing wouldn't be so prevalent!'
While member @DonneSherlock suggested: 'Employ staff to help customers rather than police them, and the crime rate would dramatically reduce.'
You can read more about this story here.
.png){kind=icon}
