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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• A basket of stolen Woolworths groceries has caused a debate on social media due to the high cost of the items.
  
• The basket, with 27 items, totalled $398.39. This included $93.40 in savings, so the original cost could’ve been as much as $491.79.
  
• Many on social media criticised both the high price of the items and the community group's potential 'shaming' of those forced to steal due to financial constraints.
  
• Others pointed out that several items in the basket—such as an $11 skincare product and Bonds brand items—weren't essential purchases.
  

What do you think about this latest news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Glo72]

Stealing is wrong on every level. There are charities that will help people if they are struggling.

 

[TrixieLovesTigers]

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.

View attachment 31911

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.

Key Takeaways

• A basket of stolen Woolworths groceries has caused a debate on social media due to the high cost of the items.
• The basket, with 27 items, totalled $398.39. This included $93.40 in savings, so the original cost could’ve been as much as $491.79.
• Many on social media criticised both the high price of the items and the community group's potential 'shaming' of those forced to steal due to financial constraints.
• Others pointed out that several items in the basket—such as an $11 skincare product and Bonds brand items—weren't essential purchases.

What do you think about this latest news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

I refuse to use self checkout. I’m not a store employee.

 

[Petra]

I cannot believe the cost of this basket, wow .... for me, its 3 weeks of foods at ALDI ...

 

[Skeeta22]

Stealing? I hope they had the book thrown at them! There is NO EXCUSE for stealing! Plenty of charity organisations, soup kitchens, kind neighbours and church groups who will assist if you need help. As a Pensioner I struggle with the increasing cost of living and sometimes go without meals and even have the heating off on cold days and nights but would never steal. Some of the brands, ie Bonds, in this shopping basket were what I would class as 'unnecessary' items anyway, buy cheaper brands AND pay for your shopping like the rest of us honest individuals!

 

[Gsr]

While I can understand someone may be desperate enough to steal food, which in itself is not acceptable, to try and steal items unnecessary to survival is just being a smart ass to see what he/she can get away with. Maybe they were going to try and sell those items to make some money. Yes there are different groups to help people but due to the unprecedented demands for their help they are sometimes limited to how much they can help everyone. My sister has been seeking help from a charitable group that is now having to limit how much they can give due to such high numbers of people needing help. The help she receives, and is very grateful for, only lasts a few days leaving her struggling until her next Centrelink payment. She can only access help from one group in her local area, once a fortnight.

 

[Kellettw]

Those items are not in that basket!, I call bullshit!

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I refuse to use self checkout. I’m not a store employee.

Self checkout is not the subject of this article

 

[Linda24]

I've never been able to fit 27 items in one basket, I don't believe this story. If the basket of goods was stolen, how does Woolworth know the entire contents??

 

[Linda24]

Maybe Woolworths should spend their money on better security systems that prevent people leaving the store without paying, rather than having cameras on every self serve checkout, filming each customers face. This is an invasion of privacy for the vast majority who are honest shoppers.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I've never been able to fit 27 items in one basket, I don't believe this story. If the basket of goods was stolen, how does Woolworth know the entire contents??

I would assume they were nabbed leaving the store.

 

[RTS]

Raising prices with no justification, other than bigger profits, is stealing.

 

[magpie1]

a BASKET full of items that totaled nearly $500 before discount, are you kidding me. You really have to ask yourself who is the real thief here ?.......WHO is ROBBING who ?

 

[Linda24]

I would assume they were nabbed leaving the store.

Oh I thought from the photo it was picked up after they'd left the store.

 

[Sharson]

Those items are not in that basket!, I call bullshit!

I agree.

 

[Abby2]

The items in the basket shown do not seem to reflect what is on the docket eg. Chicken Roast, Nutella ???

 

[Miss Chris]

The items on that list are not what’s in that basket!!!!!

 

[The winner is]

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.

View attachment 31911

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.

Key Takeaways

• A basket of stolen Woolworths groceries has caused a debate on social media due to the high cost of the items.
• The basket, with 27 items, totalled $398.39. This included $93.40 in savings, so the original cost could’ve been as much as $491.79.
• Many on social media criticised both the high price of the items and the community group's potential 'shaming' of those forced to steal due to financial constraints.
• Others pointed out that several items in the basket—such as an $11 skincare product and Bonds brand items—weren't essential purchases.

What do you think about this latest news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

If they employed more staff to man checkouts instead, surely their wages would cover all this thieving.

 

[veronicasaunders@bigpond.]

I refuse to use self checkout. I’m not a store employee.

 

[Jennypat]

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.

View attachment 31911

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.

Key Takeaways

• A basket of stolen Woolworths groceries has caused a debate on social media due to the high cost of the items.
• The basket, with 27 items, totalled $398.39. This included $93.40 in savings, so the original cost could’ve been as much as $491.79.
• Many on social media criticised both the high price of the items and the community group's potential 'shaming' of those forced to steal due to financial constraints.
• Others pointed out that several items in the basket—such as an $11 skincare product and Bonds brand items—weren't essential purchases.

What do you think about this latest news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

i call this out that docket doesnt even add up to that amount so why would you even print such a story without checking it out first