A young apprentice has sparked debate after claiming everyone should be allowed to shoplift from Coles and Woolworths from time to time.
Coxy, 21, made the suggestion on The Mayfield Podcast, which he co-hosts with Jacko and Chip on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
“I think casual shoplifting should be legal. But I’m going to put a small limit on it before anyone objects. Up to $10 per store,” he said.
Coxy justified this idea by pointing out the substantial profits made by large supermarkets.
“When Coles and Woolworths are making record margin profits, it’s like, okay, give the people what they want,” he said.
After footage of their discussion went viral, Jacko told Daily Mail Australia their conversation was more about exploring ideas “for an ideal world”, rather than promoting shoplifting.
Coxy, a young apprentice from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, sparked an online debate by suggesting everyone should be allowed to shoplift from Coles and Woolworths from time to time.
After footage from their podcast went viral, Coxy’s bandmate Jacko (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia the trio were only speaking hypothetically and their suggestion was ironic.
“We want to make it clear that we do not tolerate any illegal activity,” he said.
“We talk about what we would like to see happen in an idealistic situation, because the cost of living is very high. We are all apprentices living paycheck to paycheck.
Jacko said many young Australians were currently struggling to afford basic necessities.
“Prices are increasing and wages have remained the same. »
He heard that people in his age group were depriving themselves of activities, such as sports, because they no longer could afford them.
“It’s shameful,” he said. “We all participate in our local football club. Everyone in today’s society knows the positive impact of physical exercise on mental health.
“Having to choose what you need – food, accommodation, bills – with the added costs of football, it just adds to the stress of it all.
“As a group, we recognize our privilege in being able to rely on our parents for financial support, while many others cannot.”
Australians openly admitted to podcast hosts that they resorted to stealing from supermarkets
Many Australians have openly admitted to podcast hosts that they have resorted to stealing from supermarket chains.
“I easily take $80 to $100 worth of merchandise from each store. And this several times a week,” said one of them.
Another added: “A Coles worker here. Do what you want, we don’t care enough (or don’t get paid enough ourselves) to care.
“Cheese prices are ridiculous. If it fits in my hoodie, it’s mine,” a third person said, while another bluntly stated, “If it fits in my pocket, it won’t be on the bill. ”
But others condemned the podcast hosts for their suggestion.
“Boys, they make $2.26 for every $100 spent,” one wrote.
Another explained that more flights would lead to further price increases.
Daily Mail Australia does not tolerate theft from any supermarket chain. Theft is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
A recent Finder.com.au survey found around 15 per cent of Australians admitted to stealing in the past 12 months.
A recent Finder.com.au survey found around 15 per cent of Australians admitted to stealing in the past 12 months.
The study reveals that 7% of people admitted to stealing from supermarket self-checkouts, up from 5% in October 2023.
The same proportion admitted to intentionally distorting the scanned material.
The study also found that younger Australians were the most likely to steal, with 7% of Gen Z admitting to leaving the supermarket without paying for an item, compared to just 2% of Gen X.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said the figures were alarming.
“Many households are struggling and are having to make difficult, and in some cases criminal, choices to cope,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coles said in its annual report for 2022-23 that shoplifting had gotten worse.
“Total loss increased by around 20 per cent year-on-year and remains a sector-wide challenge, with high levels of organized retail crime and customer theft driven by cost pressures. life,” he said.
Coles and Woolworths have been contacted for comment.
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