Has the Drakes Supermarket boss gone too far? Inside his controversial social media videos ‘catching shoplifters’!
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It’s a dilemma faced by businesses all over the world—how to prevent shoplifting.
For one supermarket boss, the answer is taking to social media and making a mockery of the shoplifters.
Since 2021, John-Paul Drake, who runs Drakes Supermarkets, has been using social media to try and find those who steal from his stores. He calls the clips 'customer magic'––because like a magician, the customer in question is making an item 'disappear'.
The videos are popular—generating tens of thousands of views online. In the clips, Mr Drake appears in front of the CCTV footage and narrates as customers appear to stuff items into bags, pockets, and in some cases, their pants.
In one clip, as a group of young people move through the store, appearing to take items off the shelves and filling their pockets, Mr Drake comments on one member of the group, who is taking items from the shelves and placing them inside a Coles bag under his hoodie.
'This guy’s got more stuff stuffed in that bag than Santa in his sack,' he said.
'This person has been in our stores five times in the last month,' Mr Drake added.
He then commented on another member of the group and said: 'Check out this eshay stuffing Ferreros in his pants.'
You can watch the full clip below:
While some have criticised the Adelaide businessman for his approach, Mr Drake said he did not believe he was mocking the needy.
'I have people that say, “You shouldn’t be saying this, you’re a person of privilege … they’re just trying to feed their families.”' he said.
'They are not trying to feed their families with wagyu and grass-fed Angus pure steaks, the products are taken and sold on other marketplaces,' he explained. 'If people are in need, go see a charitable organisation to help you out.'
Mr Drake said theft across his 65 supermarkets costs the business more than $10 million each year.
You can watch his segment on A Current Affair below:
Understanding Shoplifting: Reasons, Common Stolen Items, Demographics
Shoplifting is not a new problem—businesses have faced this hurdle for decades, with varying degrees of impact and strategies to combat it.
Research into the reasons why people shoplift has consistently shown that it often stems from a variety of factors, not just pure necessity or criminal thrill. Commonly cited reasons include drug addiction, compulsive behaviour, peer pressure, or the thrill of attempting to ‘get away with it’. At its core, it is generally a symptom of more significant societal issues rather than individual flaws.
Likewise, the items usually stolen aren't always what one might first assume. While fresh produce and other daily necessities are frequently shoplifted, high-cost luxury items like beauty products, electronic gadgets, and premium grocery items like wagyu beef also find their way into the pockets of shoplifters. The potential resale value of these items drives some thefts, as suggested by Mr Drake.
Diving into the demographics of shoplifters paints an even broader picture. Shoplifters can be found in every age group, from teens grabbing a pack of gum for a dare to pensioners simply trying to feed themselves.
What do you think, folks? Have you ever experienced seeing a shoplifter in action? And do you think Mr Drake’s approach is going too far? Let us know in the comments below!
For one supermarket boss, the answer is taking to social media and making a mockery of the shoplifters.
Since 2021, John-Paul Drake, who runs Drakes Supermarkets, has been using social media to try and find those who steal from his stores. He calls the clips 'customer magic'––because like a magician, the customer in question is making an item 'disappear'.
John-Paul Drake from Drakes Supermarket has been using social media to catch those who steal from his stores. Image source: Drakes Supermarket.
The videos are popular—generating tens of thousands of views online. In the clips, Mr Drake appears in front of the CCTV footage and narrates as customers appear to stuff items into bags, pockets, and in some cases, their pants.
In one clip, as a group of young people move through the store, appearing to take items off the shelves and filling their pockets, Mr Drake comments on one member of the group, who is taking items from the shelves and placing them inside a Coles bag under his hoodie.
'This guy’s got more stuff stuffed in that bag than Santa in his sack,' he said.
'This person has been in our stores five times in the last month,' Mr Drake added.
He then commented on another member of the group and said: 'Check out this eshay stuffing Ferreros in his pants.'
You can watch the full clip below:
While some have criticised the Adelaide businessman for his approach, Mr Drake said he did not believe he was mocking the needy.
'I have people that say, “You shouldn’t be saying this, you’re a person of privilege … they’re just trying to feed their families.”' he said.
'They are not trying to feed their families with wagyu and grass-fed Angus pure steaks, the products are taken and sold on other marketplaces,' he explained. 'If people are in need, go see a charitable organisation to help you out.'
Mr Drake said theft across his 65 supermarkets costs the business more than $10 million each year.
You can watch his segment on A Current Affair below:
Understanding Shoplifting: Reasons, Common Stolen Items, Demographics
Shoplifting is not a new problem—businesses have faced this hurdle for decades, with varying degrees of impact and strategies to combat it.
Research into the reasons why people shoplift has consistently shown that it often stems from a variety of factors, not just pure necessity or criminal thrill. Commonly cited reasons include drug addiction, compulsive behaviour, peer pressure, or the thrill of attempting to ‘get away with it’. At its core, it is generally a symptom of more significant societal issues rather than individual flaws.
Likewise, the items usually stolen aren't always what one might first assume. While fresh produce and other daily necessities are frequently shoplifted, high-cost luxury items like beauty products, electronic gadgets, and premium grocery items like wagyu beef also find their way into the pockets of shoplifters. The potential resale value of these items drives some thefts, as suggested by Mr Drake.
Diving into the demographics of shoplifters paints an even broader picture. Shoplifters can be found in every age group, from teens grabbing a pack of gum for a dare to pensioners simply trying to feed themselves.
What do you think, folks? Have you ever experienced seeing a shoplifter in action? And do you think Mr Drake’s approach is going too far? Let us know in the comments below!
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