Security guard reveals ‘most stolen’ item from Woolies, Coles

A “loss prevention officer” from a major supermarket has revealed what grocery item Australians are stealing when shopping.

An undercover security worker has claimed one steaming hot item is flying off the shelves at the supermarket – but not in the way you’d expect.

The unnamed employee spoke on the Kyle & Jackie O show on Wednesday to ask the hosts what they believed was the most stolen item from a “major supermarket chain” in July 2023.

Jackie “O” Henderson guessed that tampons were likely what was getting nicked, while Kyle Sandilands said he believed it was men’s razors due to the price.

Security guard claims supermarket chickens are "most stolen" item. Picture: TikTok

But the woman revealed it was actually barbecue chickens out of the rotisserie that people were choosing to pinch most.

Jackie O was stunned at the information she had been given, double checking it was a “hot chicken” people were stealing.

The “loss prevention officer” said she just stopped two people trying to steal that very item.

“I don’t know if they were struggling with the prices these days, everything’s going up,” she said.

She also revealed that two of the thieves she had stopped had stuffed the chicken in the front of their pants.

News.com.au understands the claims were disputed by some about the hot chickens.

News.com.au contacted Coles for comment

Woolworths chose not to comment on the claims

“I am not kidding you,” she said.

A Woolworths spokesperson opted not to comment on the hot chicken theft claims, but said: “Almost all of our customers do the right thing and for that we’re grateful. Theft impacts all retailers and we have measures in place to combat this activity.

“We have a number of initiatives that we use, both covert and overt, to help reduce retail crime and keep our team members safe in our stores.”

This includes upgrading self-checkout technology to reduce theft with things such as cameras.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson told news.com.au: “While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don’t.

“Coles has a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS), skip scan technology and in some stores, new smart gate technology that automatically opens as customers make payment for their products.

“Additionally, trolley lock technology has been in place at a number of our stores in recent years and this technology uses sensors to prevent trolleys leaving the store if someone hasn’t first paid at a register.”