Groceries black-market causing shock shoplifting spike

South Australia’s leading retail precincts are experiencing an astonishing rise in shoplifting, as the nation’s cost of living crisis sparks a black market for alcohol, groceries and other high-value items.

South Australia’s leading retail precincts are experiencing an astonishing rise in shoplifting, as the nation’s cost-of-living crisis sparks a black market for alcohol, groceries and high-value items.

An analysis of official figures lays bare the state’s crime epidemic, revealing shop thefts spiked an average 50 per cent in 18 months, involving offenders ranging from pre-teens to elderly criminals in their 80s.

While inflation began to drop 12 months ago, shop thefts have not reduced, instead hovering 50 per cent higher than pre-2023 rates.

Police data reveals Glenelg, considered Adelaide’s premier seaside area, has witnessed the state’s biggest increase with an 86 per cent rise.

The shoplifting problem in Glenelg is getting out of hand. Picture: RoyVPhotography

The figures, which police release each month, show reported theft from shop crimes increasing from 138 to 257 over the past two financial years. Glenelg and Jetty Rd strip shop owners, most of whom declined to be named, blamed young offenders, whom they described as “eshays”, or homeless people for rising shoplifting. But some businesses reported criminals aged in their 80s.

CCTV from a break-in at a Glenelg Tobacco shop.

Tony New, from Banjo’s Bakery Cafe, said his Moseley Square business had suffered.

“We just had one guy in particular who came in on at least four occasions that we know of,” he said.

“The first couple of times he came to the counter and ordered several items and took off without paying.

“After we had got the message across to all staff not to serve him, he was refused service at the counter so he helped himself to the drinks fridge and took off.

“After his third visit, we involved the police and on his fourth visit (they) apprehended him.”

Other business owners had similar stories about juvenile criminals. “They steal anything and everything” one said.

“Kids aged between 12 and 14. They come in and run out with it. There’s not normally much police can do.”

Another luxury clothing store said “90 per cent of the people who steal things from our store are homeless.

“I assume they … go on and sell it.”

A third shop owner said while it was “often children”, offenders also included two 80-year-old female known shoplifters who stole in pairs.

Across Adelaide, Norwood experienced a 37 per cent increase in reported thefts over the past two financial years from 184 to 253 shop incidents. Marion shop thefts rose from 27 to 48 over the same time.

Modbury and Salisbury experienced rises of more than a third, while increases were reported in Oaklands Park, Kent Town and Adelaide’s CBD.

Norwood Payneham and St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said the spike along The Parade was “clearly a sign of the times in terms of … cost of living”.

Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council Mayor Robert Bria said the spike along The Parade was “clearly a sign of the times in terms of … cost of living”. Picture: Dan Schultz

In a statement, an SA police spokeswoman said operation evidence targeting recidivist offenders suggested they resold their stolen merchandise.

“Most people probably … think of high-end goods like designer bags, clothing, sportswear or sunglasses,” she said.

“(But) they might be surprised to learn that other everyday items are also finding a black market, such as alcohol, grocery items, meat, pet food and cosmetics.”

Police intelligence revealed over an almost six-month period to the end of November, 993 theft incidents were linked to a nominated person of interest.