A distressing video capturing a woman attempting to leave a Napier supermarket with a trolley full of unpaid goods, including nappies, has underscored the mounting challenges faced by retail staff, according to Foodstuffs, The New Zealand Herald reported.
The incident unfolded on Monday at Pak'nSave Tamatea, where the woman was apprehended by staff members while trying to exit without paying. The tense encounter, documented by a concerned observer on TikTok, depicts the woman manoeuvring the trolley past employees as her baby cries.
Reportedly, the woman had a prior record at the supermarket, having been previously trespassed for a similar shoplifting incident last year. Foodstuffs, the parent company of Pak'nSave, confirmed that after being intercepted, she left the trolley behind and departed with her child.
A spokesperson for Foodstuffs commented on the incident, stating, "Supermarkets find themselves at the forefront of the escalating trend of retail crime, and it's regrettable that instances such as shoplifting, assaults, and other forms of aggressive behaviour are becoming more commonplace."
Detailing the encounter, the spokesperson added, "Our staff members intervened, requesting payment for the groceries. However, the customer responded aggressively, verbally abusing our employees while persisting in her attempt to move the trolley, with her baby still seated inside."
The spokesperson further noted that the woman eventually left with the child, and although shaken, neither the staff members nor nearby customers were harmed. The matter has since been reported to the police, resulting in the woman being trespassed from the store until May 2025.
In response to the incident, a police spokesperson urged witnesses of shoplifting to contact emergency services and, if feasible, record the registration details of any vehicles involved.
Meanwhile, reflecting on the broader socioeconomic challenges, Kerry Henderson, CEO of the Napier Family Centre, highlighted the growing difficulties faced by residents in meeting basic needs. While condemning shoplifting, Henderson remarked, "The current environment presents significant challenges in putting food on the table for everyday Hawke's Bay residents."
Henderson further elaborated on the increased demand for support services, citing a surge in requests for food assistance and financial aid. "We've witnessed a substantial rise in the number of individuals seeking food parcels, indicative of the profound impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis," she said.
Collaborating closely with organisations such as Nourish for Nil and the Salvation Army, the Napier Family Centre aims to address the escalating need for food donations and support throughout the Hawke's Bay region.
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