Shocking Way Aussies Are Combatting Rising Supermarket Prices

No matter how hard the going gets, we always find a way to adapt, manoeuvre and survive.

But a recent phenomenon related to the spiralling costs of everyday living has left many shocked.



The issue at hand is one we all can relate to—rising supermarket prices.

An alarming trend that has emerged out of this crisis is reportedly a surge in shoplifting incidents at supermarkets nationwide.


compressed-grocer.jpeg
Engaging in shoplifting to cope with the increasing cost of living is illegal and can result in severe legal and ethical consequences. Image from shutterstock



A Coles spokesperson confirmed this worrying trend, stating that the issue isn’t isolated to one supermarket chain.

As the spokesperson put it, this trend of supermarket shoplifting is an 'industry-wide problem'.

Coles, along with other supermarkets, has reportedly been catching hundreds of thieves on a weekly basis.



'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.' the spokesperson stated.

Woolworths and ALDI have not spoken about this issue. Still, despite not confirming a similar upward trend in theft, both supermarkets are actively instituting anti-theft measures in their retail outlets.

Woolworths states it employs a range of initiatives to combat retail crime and safeguard its employees.

In June last year, Woolworths firmly refuted claims that it utilised face recognition technology in its stores.



This response came after a circulating screenshot of a training module suggesting that Woolworths employed ‘facial mapping to identify thieves’.

A similar technology was observed in a Sydney ALDI store last month, but a spokesperson from ALDI clarified that the store does not employ facial recognition or AI technology.

‘We have theft prevention mechanisms in all our stores such as CCTV.’ the ALDI spokesperson said.

Coles has also confirmed that it implements various security measures to combat theft.


compressed-groceryy.jpeg
It is advisable to explore alternative strategies such as budgeting, seeking financial assistance, or exploring additional income sources to manage economic challenges responsibly. Image by Jack Sparrow from pexels



Among these measures is the deployment of many plain-clothes loss prevention officers who work diligently to apprehend numerous thieves weekly.

A spokesperson said that Coles uses CCTV, product protection, target hardening, as well as electronic article surveillance. They added, ‘Additionally, there has been the installation of front entry gates and glass balustrading entry in some stores as well as trolley wheel locks.’

In October of last year, Tasmania experienced a significant 30 per cent increase in supermarket shoplifting incidents.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston attributed this rise to factors such as the escalating cost of living and homelessness, which contributed to the overall prevalence of theft.



Similarly, in March, it was reported that store theft in New South Wales had risen by 23.7 per cent compared to the previous year (2021 to 2022). As if that wasn’t enough, Queensland had the highest monthly rate of shoplifting recorded this January!

While these statistics paint an alarming picture, the true impact of this economy-induced crisis is most visible in the experiences of the day-to-day Aussies navigating these tough times.

Sandra Sutera, a Manager at an IGA store, recalls an uptick in theft incidents at her store.

According to her, it is not uncommon for shoppers to be apprehended while attempting to conceal items by putting them in their pockets or even down their pants.



She said, ‘You get good people that are doing silly things. Some people are too proud to ask for money, and then they steal, and it's really sad.’

Fleur Brown, the Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association, has acknowledged a steady rise in retail crime, which has had a significant impact on retailers' financial performance.

This increased crime has affected their bottom line and poses challenges for the retail industry.

Furthermore, Australian households are facing the impact of rising inflation, leading to a substantial increase in grocery expenses.



On average, households now spend an additional $1,924 on groceries yearly.

This surge in costs has put financial strain on many individuals and families, with 78 per cent of Australians forced to cut back on their spending to cope with these challenges.

Key Takeaways
  • Australian supermarkets are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, which is thought to be a result of harsh economic conditions, including rising grocery and housing prices.
  • Coles confirmed it is working with police to reduce shoplifting, and hundreds of thieves are caught each week.
  • Other supermarkets, Woolworths and ALDI have implemented various theft prevention initiatives in their stores but have not confirmed any increase in theft.
  • The rising costs of grocery bills are putting significant financial strain on Australian households, with the average household spending $1,924 more (annually) on groceries and a majority of Australians (78 per cent) cutting back their spending.

Shoplifting doesn’t just increase costs for retailers; we, the regular shoppers, end up with a heftier price tag on our groceries to cover the losses.

Members, if you require food relief of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Foodbank location in your state or territory. Listed below are their details:

LOCATIONS
DETAILS
Foodbank QLD179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052

You can also visit Ask Izzy, which can put you in touch with nearby organisations that provide food aid.

Share your unique tips and experiences with the rising supermarket prices. Let's lighten the load with our wisdom and camaraderie.
 
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Unfortunately Foodbank does not work for those of us who live in rural Australia. If I want to make use of this service I have to drive 47kms each way which defeats the purpose as I spend $15 on petrol which could be better spent on food.
 
yes costs are getting way to high but how many of the "poor" people who have no money for food still go and buy the carton of smokes --cartons of beer or big bottles of Bundy or such
yes its hard to stop smoking but a carton of smokes will by a lot of food
I dont care if people smoke or drink thats fine but stop crying poor and leave the charity for those who really need it
 
yes costs are getting way to high but how many of the "poor" people who have no money for food still go and buy the carton of smokes --cartons of beer or big bottles of Bundy or such
yes its hard to stop smoking but a carton of smokes will by a lot of food
I dont care if people smoke or drink thats fine but stop crying poor and leave the charity for those who really need it
Agreed, and we still have an obesity crisis!
 
No matter how hard the going gets, we always find a way to adapt, manoeuvre and survive.

But a recent phenomenon related to the spiralling costs of everyday living has left many shocked.



The issue at hand is one we all can relate to—rising supermarket prices.

An alarming trend that has emerged out of this crisis is reportedly a surge in shoplifting incidents at supermarkets nationwide.


View attachment 24356
Engaging in shoplifting to cope with the increasing cost of living is illegal and can result in severe legal and ethical consequences. Image from shutterstock



A Coles spokesperson confirmed this worrying trend, stating that the issue isn’t isolated to one supermarket chain.

As the spokesperson put it, this trend of supermarket shoplifting is an 'industry-wide problem'.

Coles, along with other supermarkets, has reportedly been catching hundreds of thieves on a weekly basis.



'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.' the spokesperson stated.

Woolworths and ALDI have not spoken about this issue. Still, despite not confirming a similar upward trend in theft, both supermarkets are actively instituting anti-theft measures in their retail outlets.

Woolworths states it employs a range of initiatives to combat retail crime and safeguard its employees.

In June last year, Woolworths firmly refuted claims that it utilised face recognition technology in its stores.



This response came after a circulating screenshot of a training module suggesting that Woolworths employed ‘facial mapping to identify thieves’.

A similar technology was observed in a Sydney ALDI store last month, but a spokesperson from ALDI clarified that the store does not employ facial recognition or AI technology.

‘We have theft prevention mechanisms in all our stores such as CCTV.’ the ALDI spokesperson said.

Coles has also confirmed that it implements various security measures to combat theft.


View attachment 24357
It is advisable to explore alternative strategies such as budgeting, seeking financial assistance, or exploring additional income sources to manage economic challenges responsibly. Image by Jack Sparrow from pexels



Among these measures is the deployment of many plain-clothes loss prevention officers who work diligently to apprehend numerous thieves weekly.

A spokesperson said that Coles uses CCTV, product protection, target hardening, as well as electronic article surveillance. They added, ‘Additionally, there has been the installation of front entry gates and glass balustrading entry in some stores as well as trolley wheel locks.’

In October of last year, Tasmania experienced a significant 30 per cent increase in supermarket shoplifting incidents.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston attributed this rise to factors such as the escalating cost of living and homelessness, which contributed to the overall prevalence of theft.



Similarly, in March, it was reported that store theft in New South Wales had risen by 23.7 per cent compared to the previous year (2021 to 2022). As if that wasn’t enough, Queensland had the highest monthly rate of shoplifting recorded this January!

While these statistics paint an alarming picture, the true impact of this economy-induced crisis is most visible in the experiences of the day-to-day Aussies navigating these tough times.

Sandra Sutera, a Manager at an IGA store, recalls an uptick in theft incidents at her store.

According to her, it is not uncommon for shoppers to be apprehended while attempting to conceal items by putting them in their pockets or even down their pants.



She said, ‘You get good people that are doing silly things. Some people are too proud to ask for money, and then they steal, and it's really sad.’

Fleur Brown, the Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association, has acknowledged a steady rise in retail crime, which has had a significant impact on retailers' financial performance.

This increased crime has affected their bottom line and poses challenges for the retail industry.

Furthermore, Australian households are facing the impact of rising inflation, leading to a substantial increase in grocery expenses.



On average, households now spend an additional $1,924 on groceries yearly.

This surge in costs has put financial strain on many individuals and families, with 78 per cent of Australians forced to cut back on their spending to cope with these challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian supermarkets are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, which is thought to be a result of harsh economic conditions, including rising grocery and housing prices.
  • Coles confirmed it is working with police to reduce shoplifting, and hundreds of thieves are caught each week.
  • Other supermarkets, Woolworths and ALDI have implemented various theft prevention initiatives in their stores but have not confirmed any increase in theft.
  • The rising costs of grocery bills are putting significant financial strain on Australian households, with the average household spending $1,924 more (annually) on groceries and a majority of Australians (78 per cent) cutting back their spending.

Shoplifting doesn’t just increase costs for retailers; we, the regular shoppers, end up with a heftier price tag on our groceries to cover the losses.

Members, if you require food relief of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Foodbank location in your state or territory. Listed below are their details:

LOCATIONS
DETAILS
Foodbank QLD179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052

You can also visit Ask Izzy, which can put you in touch with nearby organisations that provide food aid.

Share your unique tips and experiences with the rising supermarket prices. Let's lighten the load with our wisdom and camaraderie.
Unfortunately as prices continue to increase so will the theft of food in grocery and fruit and veggie stores. Desperate people will not hesitate to feed their families and you cant blame them really as the rich get richer and the rest just suffer.... there will soon be a serous revolution and nothing will save them or any government
 
No matter how hard the going gets, we always find a way to adapt, manoeuvre and survive.

But a recent phenomenon related to the spiralling costs of everyday living has left many shocked.



The issue at hand is one we all can relate to—rising supermarket prices.

An alarming trend that has emerged out of this crisis is reportedly a surge in shoplifting incidents at supermarkets nationwide.


View attachment 24356
Engaging in shoplifting to cope with the increasing cost of living is illegal and can result in severe legal and ethical consequences. Image from shutterstock



A Coles spokesperson confirmed this worrying trend, stating that the issue isn’t isolated to one supermarket chain.

As the spokesperson put it, this trend of supermarket shoplifting is an 'industry-wide problem'.

Coles, along with other supermarkets, has reportedly been catching hundreds of thieves on a weekly basis.



'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.' the spokesperson stated.

Woolworths and ALDI have not spoken about this issue. Still, despite not confirming a similar upward trend in theft, both supermarkets are actively instituting anti-theft measures in their retail outlets.

Woolworths states it employs a range of initiatives to combat retail crime and safeguard its employees.

In June last year, Woolworths firmly refuted claims that it utilised face recognition technology in its stores.



This response came after a circulating screenshot of a training module suggesting that Woolworths employed ‘facial mapping to identify thieves’.

A similar technology was observed in a Sydney ALDI store last month, but a spokesperson from ALDI clarified that the store does not employ facial recognition or AI technology.

‘We have theft prevention mechanisms in all our stores such as CCTV.’ the ALDI spokesperson said.

Coles has also confirmed that it implements various security measures to combat theft.


View attachment 24357
It is advisable to explore alternative strategies such as budgeting, seeking financial assistance, or exploring additional income sources to manage economic challenges responsibly. Image by Jack Sparrow from pexels



Among these measures is the deployment of many plain-clothes loss prevention officers who work diligently to apprehend numerous thieves weekly.

A spokesperson said that Coles uses CCTV, product protection, target hardening, as well as electronic article surveillance. They added, ‘Additionally, there has been the installation of front entry gates and glass balustrading entry in some stores as well as trolley wheel locks.’

In October of last year, Tasmania experienced a significant 30 per cent increase in supermarket shoplifting incidents.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston attributed this rise to factors such as the escalating cost of living and homelessness, which contributed to the overall prevalence of theft.



Similarly, in March, it was reported that store theft in New South Wales had risen by 23.7 per cent compared to the previous year (2021 to 2022). As if that wasn’t enough, Queensland had the highest monthly rate of shoplifting recorded this January!

While these statistics paint an alarming picture, the true impact of this economy-induced crisis is most visible in the experiences of the day-to-day Aussies navigating these tough times.

Sandra Sutera, a Manager at an IGA store, recalls an uptick in theft incidents at her store.

According to her, it is not uncommon for shoppers to be apprehended while attempting to conceal items by putting them in their pockets or even down their pants.



She said, ‘You get good people that are doing silly things. Some people are too proud to ask for money, and then they steal, and it's really sad.’

Fleur Brown, the Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association, has acknowledged a steady rise in retail crime, which has had a significant impact on retailers' financial performance.

This increased crime has affected their bottom line and poses challenges for the retail industry.

Furthermore, Australian households are facing the impact of rising inflation, leading to a substantial increase in grocery expenses.



On average, households now spend an additional $1,924 on groceries yearly.

This surge in costs has put financial strain on many individuals and families, with 78 per cent of Australians forced to cut back on their spending to cope with these challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian supermarkets are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, which is thought to be a result of harsh economic conditions, including rising grocery and housing prices.
  • Coles confirmed it is working with police to reduce shoplifting, and hundreds of thieves are caught each week.
  • Other supermarkets, Woolworths and ALDI have implemented various theft prevention initiatives in their stores but have not confirmed any increase in theft.
  • The rising costs of grocery bills are putting significant financial strain on Australian households, with the average household spending $1,924 more (annually) on groceries and a majority of Australians (78 per cent) cutting back their spending.

Shoplifting doesn’t just increase costs for retailers; we, the regular shoppers, end up with a heftier price tag on our groceries to cover the losses.

Members, if you require food relief of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Foodbank location in your state or territory. Listed below are their details:

LOCATIONS
DETAILS
Foodbank QLD179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052

You can also visit Ask Izzy, which can put you in touch with nearby organisations that provide food aid.

Share your unique tips and experiences with the rising supermarket prices. Let's lighten the load with our wisdom and camaraderie.
It’s a sad situation out there where people are struggling to survive these tough times😢
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rhondda@Benji
No matter how hard the going gets, we always find a way to adapt, manoeuvre and survive.

But a recent phenomenon related to the spiralling costs of everyday living has left many shocked.



The issue at hand is one we all can relate to—rising supermarket prices.

An alarming trend that has emerged out of this crisis is reportedly a surge in shoplifting incidents at supermarkets nationwide.


View attachment 24356
Engaging in shoplifting to cope with the increasing cost of living is illegal and can result in severe legal and ethical consequences. Image from shutterstock



A Coles spokesperson confirmed this worrying trend, stating that the issue isn’t isolated to one supermarket chain.

As the spokesperson put it, this trend of supermarket shoplifting is an 'industry-wide problem'.

Coles, along with other supermarkets, has reportedly been catching hundreds of thieves on a weekly basis.



'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.' the spokesperson stated.

Woolworths and ALDI have not spoken about this issue. Still, despite not confirming a similar upward trend in theft, both supermarkets are actively instituting anti-theft measures in their retail outlets.

Woolworths states it employs a range of initiatives to combat retail crime and safeguard its employees.

In June last year, Woolworths firmly refuted claims that it utilised face recognition technology in its stores.



This response came after a circulating screenshot of a training module suggesting that Woolworths employed ‘facial mapping to identify thieves’.

A similar technology was observed in a Sydney ALDI store last month, but a spokesperson from ALDI clarified that the store does not employ facial recognition or AI technology.

‘We have theft prevention mechanisms in all our stores such as CCTV.’ the ALDI spokesperson said.

Coles has also confirmed that it implements various security measures to combat theft.


View attachment 24357
It is advisable to explore alternative strategies such as budgeting, seeking financial assistance, or exploring additional income sources to manage economic challenges responsibly. Image by Jack Sparrow from pexels



Among these measures is the deployment of many plain-clothes loss prevention officers who work diligently to apprehend numerous thieves weekly.

A spokesperson said that Coles uses CCTV, product protection, target hardening, as well as electronic article surveillance. They added, ‘Additionally, there has been the installation of front entry gates and glass balustrading entry in some stores as well as trolley wheel locks.’

In October of last year, Tasmania experienced a significant 30 per cent increase in supermarket shoplifting incidents.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston attributed this rise to factors such as the escalating cost of living and homelessness, which contributed to the overall prevalence of theft.



Similarly, in March, it was reported that store theft in New South Wales had risen by 23.7 per cent compared to the previous year (2021 to 2022). As if that wasn’t enough, Queensland had the highest monthly rate of shoplifting recorded this January!

While these statistics paint an alarming picture, the true impact of this economy-induced crisis is most visible in the experiences of the day-to-day Aussies navigating these tough times.

Sandra Sutera, a Manager at an IGA store, recalls an uptick in theft incidents at her store.

According to her, it is not uncommon for shoppers to be apprehended while attempting to conceal items by putting them in their pockets or even down their pants.



She said, ‘You get good people that are doing silly things. Some people are too proud to ask for money, and then they steal, and it's really sad.’

Fleur Brown, the Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association, has acknowledged a steady rise in retail crime, which has had a significant impact on retailers' financial performance.

This increased crime has affected their bottom line and poses challenges for the retail industry.

Furthermore, Australian households are facing the impact of rising inflation, leading to a substantial increase in grocery expenses.



On average, households now spend an additional $1,924 on groceries yearly.

This surge in costs has put financial strain on many individuals and families, with 78 per cent of Australians forced to cut back on their spending to cope with these challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian supermarkets are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, which is thought to be a result of harsh economic conditions, including rising grocery and housing prices.
  • Coles confirmed it is working with police to reduce shoplifting, and hundreds of thieves are caught each week.
  • Other supermarkets, Woolworths and ALDI have implemented various theft prevention initiatives in their stores but have not confirmed any increase in theft.
  • The rising costs of grocery bills are putting significant financial strain on Australian households, with the average household spending $1,924 more (annually) on groceries and a majority of Australians (78 per cent) cutting back their spending.

Shoplifting doesn’t just increase costs for retailers; we, the regular shoppers, end up with a heftier price tag on our groceries to cover the losses.

Members, if you require food relief of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Foodbank location in your state or territory. Listed below are their details:

LOCATIONS
DETAILS
Foodbank QLD179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052

You can also visit Ask Izzy, which can put you in touch with nearby organisations that provide food aid.

Share your unique tips and experiences with the rising supermarket prices. Let's lighten the load with our wisdom and camaraderie.
There is something seriously wrong with our society when there are so many resorting to shop lifting just to survive. The politicians need to pull their heads out of their arses and get serious about rectifying the situation of so many have nots. If enough people go hungry there could be demonstrations in the streets and pollies losing their heads like in France, hmm not such a bad idea 🤔
 
There is something seriously wrong with our society when there are so many resorting to shop lifting just to survive. The politicians need to pull their heads out of their arses and get serious about rectifying the situation of so many have nots. If enough people go hungry there could be demonstrations in the streets and pollies losing their heads like in France, hmm not such a bad idea 🤔
Exactly. Well said
 
No matter how hard the going gets, we always find a way to adapt, manoeuvre and survive.

But a recent phenomenon related to the spiralling costs of everyday living has left many shocked.



The issue at hand is one we all can relate to—rising supermarket prices.

An alarming trend that has emerged out of this crisis is reportedly a surge in shoplifting incidents at supermarkets nationwide.


View attachment 24356
Engaging in shoplifting to cope with the increasing cost of living is illegal and can result in severe legal and ethical consequences. Image from shutterstock



A Coles spokesperson confirmed this worrying trend, stating that the issue isn’t isolated to one supermarket chain.

As the spokesperson put it, this trend of supermarket shoplifting is an 'industry-wide problem'.

Coles, along with other supermarkets, has reportedly been catching hundreds of thieves on a weekly basis.



'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.' the spokesperson stated.

Woolworths and ALDI have not spoken about this issue. Still, despite not confirming a similar upward trend in theft, both supermarkets are actively instituting anti-theft measures in their retail outlets.

Woolworths states it employs a range of initiatives to combat retail crime and safeguard its employees.

In June last year, Woolworths firmly refuted claims that it utilised face recognition technology in its stores.



This response came after a circulating screenshot of a training module suggesting that Woolworths employed ‘facial mapping to identify thieves’.

A similar technology was observed in a Sydney ALDI store last month, but a spokesperson from ALDI clarified that the store does not employ facial recognition or AI technology.

‘We have theft prevention mechanisms in all our stores such as CCTV.’ the ALDI spokesperson said.

Coles has also confirmed that it implements various security measures to combat theft.


View attachment 24357
It is advisable to explore alternative strategies such as budgeting, seeking financial assistance, or exploring additional income sources to manage economic challenges responsibly. Image by Jack Sparrow from pexels



Among these measures is the deployment of many plain-clothes loss prevention officers who work diligently to apprehend numerous thieves weekly.

A spokesperson said that Coles uses CCTV, product protection, target hardening, as well as electronic article surveillance. They added, ‘Additionally, there has been the installation of front entry gates and glass balustrading entry in some stores as well as trolley wheel locks.’

In October of last year, Tasmania experienced a significant 30 per cent increase in supermarket shoplifting incidents.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston attributed this rise to factors such as the escalating cost of living and homelessness, which contributed to the overall prevalence of theft.



Similarly, in March, it was reported that store theft in New South Wales had risen by 23.7 per cent compared to the previous year (2021 to 2022). As if that wasn’t enough, Queensland had the highest monthly rate of shoplifting recorded this January!

While these statistics paint an alarming picture, the true impact of this economy-induced crisis is most visible in the experiences of the day-to-day Aussies navigating these tough times.

Sandra Sutera, a Manager at an IGA store, recalls an uptick in theft incidents at her store.

According to her, it is not uncommon for shoppers to be apprehended while attempting to conceal items by putting them in their pockets or even down their pants.



She said, ‘You get good people that are doing silly things. Some people are too proud to ask for money, and then they steal, and it's really sad.’

Fleur Brown, the Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association, has acknowledged a steady rise in retail crime, which has had a significant impact on retailers' financial performance.

This increased crime has affected their bottom line and poses challenges for the retail industry.

Furthermore, Australian households are facing the impact of rising inflation, leading to a substantial increase in grocery expenses.



On average, households now spend an additional $1,924 on groceries yearly.

This surge in costs has put financial strain on many individuals and families, with 78 per cent of Australians forced to cut back on their spending to cope with these challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian supermarkets are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, which is thought to be a result of harsh economic conditions, including rising grocery and housing prices.
  • Coles confirmed it is working with police to reduce shoplifting, and hundreds of thieves are caught each week.
  • Other supermarkets, Woolworths and ALDI have implemented various theft prevention initiatives in their stores but have not confirmed any increase in theft.
  • The rising costs of grocery bills are putting significant financial strain on Australian households, with the average household spending $1,924 more (annually) on groceries and a majority of Australians (78 per cent) cutting back their spending.

Shoplifting doesn’t just increase costs for retailers; we, the regular shoppers, end up with a heftier price tag on our groceries to cover the losses.

Members, if you require food relief of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Foodbank location in your state or territory. Listed below are their details:

LOCATIONS
DETAILS
Foodbank QLD179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052

You can also visit Ask Izzy, which can put you in touch with nearby organisations that provide food aid.

Share your unique tips and experiences with the rising supermarket prices. Let's lighten the load with our wisdom and camaraderie.
 
Brian & I (Lynette) are members of Duncraig Christian Community Church in Duncraig, Perth. We live in Warwick, a couple of km from there. Every Tuesday afternoon we have a 2 to 3 hour period when anyone can come along to collect a box of food. This food is donated by supermarkets from their stocks left over, nothing wrong with them. The program is called “Hands & Feet”. Christian communities are caring. They support each other in hard times too.

This is sincerely meant as an insight into what I have witnessed.
 
I looked online last year so I could donate food in my local area and when I took it to the place it was closed. This was about 11am on a weekday. The only sign I saw on the window said they'd run out of bread. Since then I've driven past on different occasions and I've never seen anyone there. Where are you supposed to give it?
 
Rhonda, merely a suggestion, perhaps look online for alternatives to the food bank in your area. I hope you find a place to donate.
I believe, never be to proud to ask for help when battling. There are so many people like you ladies waiting to do that for others.
Is anyone else able to make suggestions.
Sometimes these places like food bank & churches etc haven’t enough people to volunteer their services to stay open & continue the service.

Let us know any feedback.🤗🥰
 
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Reactions: Rhondda@Benji
Rhonda, merely a suggestion, perhaps look online for alternatives to the food bank in your area. I hope you find a place to donate.
I believe, never be to proud to ask for help when battling. There are so many people like you ladies waiting to do that for others.
Is anyone else able to make suggestions.
Sometimes these places like food bank & churches etc haven’t enough people to volunteer their services to stay open & continue the service.

Let us know any feedback.🤗🥰
Thank you for the suggestions.
 
In regard to shop-lifting in the big shopping centres : there are security guards employed by both the supermarkets and also the shopping centre itself.......waste of time AND money as they are NOT allowed to lay a finger on the thief, for risk of getting charged with assault themselves. The best they can do is get the rego of the thief's car, that's no good if it's stolen!!!!
What's the answer??????????
 
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Unfortunately Foodbank does not work for those of us who live in rural Australia. If I want to make use of this service I have to drive 47kms each way which defeats the purpose as I spend $15 on petrol which could be better spent on food.
Yes I'm in the same boat, 40ks each way though slightly less than you. I am not even sure what is available in Wagga.
 
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