Kmart shopper’s tricky theft sparks reactions online
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As the cost of living continues to soar across Australia, the financial strain is pushing some individuals to resort to desperate measures.
A recent incident involving a Kmart shopper has ignited a nationwide debate about the ethics of theft in the face of economic hardship.
The shopper appears to have swapped their old Anko sandals for a new pair straight off the Kmart rack, leaving their worn-out pair behind.
The act was discovered by another customer who shared a photo of the discarded sandals on social media, captioning it, 'Seems Kmart is now a Swap n' Go!'
The incident sparked a heated debate among Australians, with many expressing sympathy for those who felt compelled to steal basic necessities.
'They're swapping out and stealing Kmart shoes just to keep something on their feet. It's not like they're stealing $400 shoes for a glamorous party. They're stealing crappy slip-on sandals. The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard,' one shopper commented.
Others echoed the sentiment, expressing concern for those struggling to such an extent that they resort to swapping their shoes at a store.
'Not that this is okay whatsoever, but with the cost of living at the moment, I almost don't blame people for doing these things anymore,' another shopper added.
However, not everyone agreed. Some argued that theft is never justifiable, regardless of a person's financial situation.
'How does it excuse someone from stealing? A lot of people are doing it tough right now. There is NO excuse for stealing, doesn't matter the price tag!' one person retorted.
Several Kmart employees also weighed in on the discussion, revealing that such incidents are not uncommon.
'It's disgusting. I work in retail, and the daily theft is unbelievable. People wonder why prices go up! We lose thousands weekly. People swap underwear and T-shirts, too,' one worker shared.
The Rising Tide of Retail Theft in Australia
This incident is not an isolated one. According to a survey by comparison site Finder, more than one in 10 Australians have admitted to stealing in the past year as they grapple with financial difficulties. Approximately 5 per cent confessed to stealing items at the supermarket self-checkout.
'Aussies are clearly struggling to afford basic necessities, and some are turning to criminal behaviour to get by,' Finder Head of Consumer Research Graham Cooke said.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has voiced concerns about the increasing prevalence of shoplifting, which is causing significant harm to Australian businesses.
'There is no doubt that shoplifting has become increasingly prevalent this year, at a time when retailers are already battling rising operating costs associated with labour, fuel, energy, supply chains, rent and loans,' ARA CEO Paul Zahra told a news source.
In New South Wales alone, retail crime has spiked by 47 per cent in the past 12 months to October 2023. The ARA estimates that shoplifting is costing the industry upwards of $9 billion per year.
However, the actual figure could be even higher, as a significant amount of shoplifting goes unnoticed and unreported.
Supermarket giant Coles has also confirmed a spike in shoplifting, with 'hundreds of thieves' being caught at its supermarkets every week.
'We have observed an increase in theft which is an issue affecting all retailers across Australia and internationally, and one that we will continue to address,' a spokesperson said.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you noticed an increase in retail theft in your area? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
A recent incident involving a Kmart shopper has ignited a nationwide debate about the ethics of theft in the face of economic hardship.
The shopper appears to have swapped their old Anko sandals for a new pair straight off the Kmart rack, leaving their worn-out pair behind.
The act was discovered by another customer who shared a photo of the discarded sandals on social media, captioning it, 'Seems Kmart is now a Swap n' Go!'
A thief swapped old sandals for new ones in Kmart, leading to a heated reaction online. Image: Facebook
The incident sparked a heated debate among Australians, with many expressing sympathy for those who felt compelled to steal basic necessities.
'They're swapping out and stealing Kmart shoes just to keep something on their feet. It's not like they're stealing $400 shoes for a glamorous party. They're stealing crappy slip-on sandals. The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard,' one shopper commented.
Others echoed the sentiment, expressing concern for those struggling to such an extent that they resort to swapping their shoes at a store.
'Not that this is okay whatsoever, but with the cost of living at the moment, I almost don't blame people for doing these things anymore,' another shopper added.
However, not everyone agreed. Some argued that theft is never justifiable, regardless of a person's financial situation.
'How does it excuse someone from stealing? A lot of people are doing it tough right now. There is NO excuse for stealing, doesn't matter the price tag!' one person retorted.
Several Kmart employees also weighed in on the discussion, revealing that such incidents are not uncommon.
'It's disgusting. I work in retail, and the daily theft is unbelievable. People wonder why prices go up! We lose thousands weekly. People swap underwear and T-shirts, too,' one worker shared.
The Rising Tide of Retail Theft in Australia
This incident is not an isolated one. According to a survey by comparison site Finder, more than one in 10 Australians have admitted to stealing in the past year as they grapple with financial difficulties. Approximately 5 per cent confessed to stealing items at the supermarket self-checkout.
'Aussies are clearly struggling to afford basic necessities, and some are turning to criminal behaviour to get by,' Finder Head of Consumer Research Graham Cooke said.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has voiced concerns about the increasing prevalence of shoplifting, which is causing significant harm to Australian businesses.
'There is no doubt that shoplifting has become increasingly prevalent this year, at a time when retailers are already battling rising operating costs associated with labour, fuel, energy, supply chains, rent and loans,' ARA CEO Paul Zahra told a news source.
In New South Wales alone, retail crime has spiked by 47 per cent in the past 12 months to October 2023. The ARA estimates that shoplifting is costing the industry upwards of $9 billion per year.
However, the actual figure could be even higher, as a significant amount of shoplifting goes unnoticed and unreported.
Supermarket giant Coles has also confirmed a spike in shoplifting, with 'hundreds of thieves' being caught at its supermarkets every week.
'We have observed an increase in theft which is an issue affecting all retailers across Australia and internationally, and one that we will continue to address,' a spokesperson said.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you noticed an increase in retail theft in your area? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
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