Wagga’s shoplifting scourge is on the rise, according to police, but the issue stems beyond sticky fingers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after four alleged shoplifters faced local court across two days this week.
While it proved police are doing their jobs, the number of incidents has shop owners troubled across the city.
Lake Albert’s Foodworks manager Bailey Porter said the store had turned to social media to name and shame an alleged thief it captured on its security camera this week.
As a result of the footage, officers from the Riverina Police District arrested and charged a 43-year-old Ashmont man, who faced local court on Thursday.
“A lot of other stores and supermarkets do it,” Ms Porter said.
“It just about awareness; letting offenders know we’re watching, letting people know it’s happening and helping other businesses to be aware.”
Like other Wagga supermarkets and main-street stores, Ms Porter said the issue was a day-to-day frustration, that set stores back thousands of dollars, “at least”.
It follows a Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report that revealed Wagga’s shoplifting figures were almost double the state average (per capita), with 361 cases reported last year.
This was an increase of almost five per cent on 2016 statistics.
“It is frustrating,” Ms Porter said. “It is more so for the fact there seem to be little consequences.”
As a result, she said there was little incentive to change behaviour.
Wagga police Inspector Peter McLay said the motivation of thieves varied, with ages ranging from children to adults.
He said officers were investigating an average of one shoplifting case every day.
“Shoplifting is on the rise,” Inspector McLay said. “It is a concern.”
He said a minority of offenders were taking items – like food – they could not otherwise afford, but most appeared to be associated with drug addictions.
However, long-time charity worker Andria Howard said the two were not always mutually exclusive.
So many people can’t afford the basics.
- Andria Howard
“So many people can’t afford the basics,” Ms Howard said. “Some people turn to dealing for money … and it goes in circles from there.”
Since opening its doors eight months ago, Angels of the Forgotten has grown to become a hub for Wagga residents struggling to make ends meet, with more than 320 families “on the books”.
As the community centre’s team leader, Ms Howard said people were not aware of how dire the situation had become, with the cost of living relentlessly increasing.
While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser. To make sure you’re up to date with all the Wagga news and sport sign up here.