Woolworths theft sparks intense cost-of-living discussion: ‘No wonder people are stealing’
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Many continue to struggle with the skyrocketing cost of living.
Unfortunately, as people try and barely manage to make ends meet, this has also led to the rise of shoplifting cases across Australia.
This stark reality was brought front and centre with one thief's haul from a Queensland Woolworths that sparked a fierce debate online.
A local community Facebook group shared an image of the loot stolen from a Woolies store—a basket containing two Hot Roast Chickens, several meat packs, a jar of Nutella, and more.
'Today in Woolworths a so-called customer tried to steal this basket full,' the caption read.
'If you listened to the TV report on shoplifting, we the people who pay for our goods also pay for theirs because we pay a loss percentage which is built into every item we pay for.'
But what really stunned internet users was the total cost of these items: a whopping $398.39.
This included savings of $93.40, which means the total could have been as high as $491.79.
While any other similar incident would have immediately led to instant condemnation—stealing is, after all, against the law—the reactions to the incident were of grim understanding, and maybe even sympathy for a desperate act.
This angered many other users with one saying: 'The fact the basket full is $398 is no doubt the real crime!'
'I am more shocked that basket of food came to $400. I would expect to fill my trolley up for that amount,' another added.
While a third replied: 'Twenty-seven items for $398?!'
And a fourth commented: 'Nearly $500 without the “savings”.'
Some users took aim at those who shamed 'people who are forced to steal to survive'.
'With the cost of living, no wonder people are stealing,' one person wrote.
But not all who saw the costly haul were swayed, as some users zeroed in on the contents of the basket.
Other users pointed out that the items on the cash register were not essential as it included $11 skincare items and several Bonds buys.
'You don’t NEED plump serum or Bonds brand items to survive—unless you can afford it then get the cheaper items,' one said.
'If you need help, ask for it. There are lots of places out there that would be able to help you,' another added.
This news comes after Woolworths recent decision to take a step further towards improving their stores’ security by trialling some bold new techniques.
This includes the installation of automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.
Currently, these changes are being tested in select stores across Australia.
Similarly, Coles implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.
You can read more about this security feature here.
What do you think about this latest news, members? Let us know in the comments below!
Unfortunately, as people try and barely manage to make ends meet, this has also led to the rise of shoplifting cases across Australia.
This stark reality was brought front and centre with one thief's haul from a Queensland Woolworths that sparked a fierce debate online.
A local community Facebook group shared an image of the loot stolen from a Woolies store—a basket containing two Hot Roast Chickens, several meat packs, a jar of Nutella, and more.
A basket of stolen goods from Woolworths cost a total of $398.39. Image source: Facebook.
'Today in Woolworths a so-called customer tried to steal this basket full,' the caption read.
'If you listened to the TV report on shoplifting, we the people who pay for our goods also pay for theirs because we pay a loss percentage which is built into every item we pay for.'
But what really stunned internet users was the total cost of these items: a whopping $398.39.
This included savings of $93.40, which means the total could have been as high as $491.79.
While any other similar incident would have immediately led to instant condemnation—stealing is, after all, against the law—the reactions to the incident were of grim understanding, and maybe even sympathy for a desperate act.
This angered many other users with one saying: 'The fact the basket full is $398 is no doubt the real crime!'
'I am more shocked that basket of food came to $400. I would expect to fill my trolley up for that amount,' another added.
While a third replied: 'Twenty-seven items for $398?!'
And a fourth commented: 'Nearly $500 without the “savings”.'
Some users took aim at those who shamed 'people who are forced to steal to survive'.
'With the cost of living, no wonder people are stealing,' one person wrote.
But not all who saw the costly haul were swayed, as some users zeroed in on the contents of the basket.
Other users pointed out that the items on the cash register were not essential as it included $11 skincare items and several Bonds buys.
'You don’t NEED plump serum or Bonds brand items to survive—unless you can afford it then get the cheaper items,' one said.
'If you need help, ask for it. There are lots of places out there that would be able to help you,' another added.
This news comes after Woolworths recent decision to take a step further towards improving their stores’ security by trialling some bold new techniques.
This includes the installation of automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.
Currently, these changes are being tested in select stores across Australia.
Similarly, Coles implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.
You can read more about this security feature here.
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