The man’s exploits were captured on CCTV and subsequently uploaded to social media, igniting an ethical debate.

According to the administrator, the alleged thief also rammed his meat-loaded pram into a nearby female customer. 

It comes just one week after Cotmakers owner Kaylene Blackburn unleashed a tirade on parents using prams to conceal and steal goods from her shop. 

In response, a retail manager – who did not yet want his store identified – said he has taken the prospect of a pram ban into “serious consideration”. 

“We shouldn’t have to presume everybody is a criminal but it’s getting to the point where we have no choice,” he said. 

“I have to ask my staff and see how they feel before we do anything with it.

“It’s a sad reflection on the community when we have to take this into consideration.” 

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data revealed Wagga averages roughly one report of shoplifting per day. 

Parents of newborns have been quick to criticise the radical suggestion, labelling it a “breach of human rights”. 

Wagga resident Michelle Roberts said for staff to simply search a pram would be unethical, let alone refusing entry into a store entirely.

“My bub often sleeps in there while we shop and if someone came up and removed the cover he’d wake up and be distraught,” she said.

“They’re going to need a better way of cracking down on thieves than this.

“This isn’t the right thing to do.”

Honest New South Wales households are being slugged $290 a year in elevated prices to cover the losses, a retail crime report has also revealed. 

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Wagga police on 6922 2599.