Shoplifting shenanigans: Drakes Supermarket unwraps festive theft scheme!

As shoplifting incidents continue to pose challenges for retailers, a recent development at a Drakes Supermarket in Adelaide has sparked a police investigation.

The suspected thefts have prompted concerns about security measures and the broader implications for both businesses and the community.

This latest incident underscores the ongoing battle against retail crime and raises questions about its impact on local businesses and consumers.


In what seems like a scene straight out of a heist movie, a pair of suspected shoplifters employed a rather creative method to allegedly pilfer pricey goods from Drakes supermarkets across Adelaide.

The footage, which left many scratching their heads, shows a woman casually wheeling a trolley into the Drakes store in Salisbury North.

However, this was no ordinary shopping trip—the trolley was adorned with what appeared to be a large, festively wrapped present.


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Suspected shoplifters allegedly used a large gift box in a trolley to steal items from Drakes supermarkets across Adelaide. Credits: Facebook / 9 News Adelaide


As the woman made her way through the store, a man believed to be her accomplice was seen helping her select groceries.

But instead of heading to the checkout, these items were discreetly placed inside the gift box.

The brazen pair then proceeded to exit the supermarket, allegedly without making any attempt to pay for the concealed merchandise.


John-Paul Drake, a representative of the supermarket, expressed his astonishment: ‘Let's face it, there's not too much we haven't seen, but this one is actually something we haven't seen.’

Drakes Supermarkets management is taking the matter seriously and is collaborating with South Australia Police to identify the man and woman caught on camera.

The stakes are high, as the family-owned business reportedly loses about $10 million annually to theft, with shoplifters targeting high-value items such as premium meats, deli cheeses, and beauty products.

In the past year alone, Drake has noted a staggering 38 per cent increase in theft—a figure that is alarming not only for the business but also for honest shoppers, who ultimately bear the cost of these losses through higher prices.


As authorities delve into suspected shoplifting incidents at a Drakes Supermarket in Adelaide, a spotlight has been cast on the contentious issue of retail theft.

This recent investigation comes amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding the methods employed by businesses to combat shoplifting.

Controversy swirls around the actions of the Drakes Supermarket boss, whose polarising social media videos purportedly capture shoplifters in the act.

The intersection of these events raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures and their ethical implications in addressing retail crime.
Key Takeaways

  • Suspected shoplifters used a large gift box in a trolley to allegedly steal items from Drakes supermarkets across Adelaide.
  • CCTV footage showed a woman with the box and a man who appeared to be helping her, then walking out allegedly without paying.
  • Drakes Supermarkets are collaborating with South Australia Police to identify the suspects seen across multiple stores.
  • Drakes Supermarkets reported losing about $10 million annually to theft, with a 38 per cent increase in shoplifting incidents over the past year, targeting items like premium meats and beauty products.
Have you ever witnessed any unusual methods of shoplifting? Or perhaps you have some thoughts on how supermarkets can better protect themselves against such cunning tactics? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below.
 
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I did see a teen on a bmx bike ride through my local Woolies, stuff his pockets with sweets,grab a bottle of coke and ride out through the wheelchair aisle. All while giving the only staff member to call him out, the bird! Arrogant little bugger knew they couldn't touch him and was definitely not poverty driven theft.
Shame someone didn't shove something into the bike spokes to give him a fall he wouldn't forget - the little bas---d
 
Honestly, I'm sick and tired of seeing this John-Paul Drake make a fool of himself on television. Tries to be a comedian but falls waaay short.

I sincerely hope Drake's Supermarkets stays firmly put in South Australia. No need to infect the rest of the country!

Too late! The Drake Virus has spread to south east Queensland!
I don't have a problem with him - he is at least a face to the business unlike the others where they are faceless board members who couldn't give a toss. I really think it is about time all retailers post photos of these perpetrators and let the chips fall where they may.
 
Apart from simple common theft, it is understandable with current times of living survival that some people are desperate for food due to lack of money and higher priced items BUT sadly for them, it is still theft and illegal.
This is a well planned crime. They are stealing because they can, not necessarily because they need to. A small percentage steal to survive, but a lot of others steal beacuse they dont want to pay for things. And yes, theft is theft. We all pay in the end.
 
Surely there are some laws that can be changed such as convicting younger than adult aged criminals with theft, theft of a motor car, driving unlicensed, breaking and entering, threatening with a deadly weapon, assault, etc etc. Maybe it is time to bring down the age limit from 18 to 14, or at least give them harsher penalties. As juniors, they know they can get away with a lot, so they really try to buck the system.
 
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