We understand, times are tough.

The cost of electricity, rates, water and living in general is rising and it’s hard to make ends meet.

Nothing compares to the love a parent has for their child.

From the moment they are born, you swear to do whatever it takes to provide for them.

Whatever. It. Takes.

We want the best for our kids – the best clothes, technology, schooling and recreational items.

But how far are we willing to go to get it?

Food, clothes and shelter are the necessary items for all living beings.

But brand name clothes or the latest technological gadget are not.

Crying poor-mouth as an excuse for illegal behaviour is unacceptable if you’re buying luxury items for yourself or are actually still able to make ends meet and it’s just that you want your child to look as cool as all the kids on social media.

Wagga’s op shops stock cheap as chips items of clothing, most of which are in good condition and even have a coveted brand name.

And before saying that it’s embarrassing buying clothes at an op shop, answer this.

What’s more embarrassing – shopping at a thrift store or having footage of you shoplifting posted on social media?

Because the kids and your family and friends don’t have to know where the clothes come from.

Never blame ‘the best interests of the child’ on illegal behaviour.

Children need love and safety and food and clothes.

They don’t need designer labels.

Police have also confirmed that it’s not even the region’s poorest residents that are committing these crimes, so what’s the excuse there?

And don’t even get us started on the idea of using a child as a distraction while shoplifting.

Apart from bad habits, what is this teaching them?

Not to mention what this does from an economic standpoint.

If potential new operators hear that the city’s residents are stealing from small businesses, the region will not grow.

Actions have consequences that spread further than the store being robbed.