Grocery grab shocks police
BRAZEN shoplifters have walked out of a supermarket with trolley loads of stolen goods, two days in a row.
Toilet paper, Tim Tams, two-minute noodles and children’s crayons were among the stolen groceries, in cases that police fear could be a symptom of the harsh economic times.
In what police described as one of the most brazen shoplifting cases in memory, staff at the Innisfail IGA were told on Saturday that a woman had left with two stacked shopping trolleys, without paying.
The 33-year-old Innisfail woman was found a short distance away with items from the supermarket valued at more than $500.
The items included meat, cold goods, baby items and food, socks, crayons, toiletries, general groceries and
stationery.
She will face Innisfail Magistrates’ Court on August 17.
Yesterday morning, a 32-year-old man was charged with stealing after he allegedly tried to steal goods valued at $325 from the same shop.
The man, also from Innisfail, will also appear in court on August 17.
He was also charged with unlicensed driving.
Innisfail police district Insp Dave Tucker said the size of the haul was worrying.
He warned shop owners and staff to be vigilant.
"We have had a number of small shoplifting calls lately which are of concern to business," he said.
"But obviously the sheer size and brazenness of the woman walking out with loaded trolleys is a worry.
"She has picked a busy time and used the opportunity to walk out. Businesses have to be aware that people are going to be extremely brazen in stealing from them.
"This is not normal shoplifting."
Insp Tucker said the alleged offences could be a sign of the tough economic times.
Queensland Council of Social Services director Jill Lang said the current economic climate was driving some people to desperate measures.
"We do have places throughout Queensland that are seeing a huge increase in demand for services," she said.
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Grocery grab: Police arrested and charged a woman for allegedly stealing these items from the Innisfail IGA store.
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