6% of Aussies admit stealing groceries to save money. Could it land you in jail?
At the supermarket, 6% of Aussies admit that they've stolen or scanned products as cheaper items in an effort to save money.
And that's not all.
Our latest research into consumer spending at the grocery store found that:
- 14% of Australians – equivalent to 3 million people – admit they have eaten expired food to cut costs
- 42% have switched from well-known brands to supermarket 'home-brand' products
- 17% have cut meat from their diet to save money.
A slap on the wrist, or time in jail?
It's clear that loads of people are doing it tough right now.
But before you're tempted to steal, consider the potential consequences.
While pocketing a few groceries might seem like a minor offence, shoplifting can still land you in court and, depending on the value and where you live, leave you with a conviction that becomes part of your criminal record.
‼️ In Queensland, scanning an item as cheaper or changing a price tag can fall under the shoplifting rules. For goods worth $150 or less, it's a regulatory offence with no risk of jail.
‼️ In South Australia, some minor shoplifting offences can be dealt with through a specific alternative enforcement system, including an infringement notice instead of a court charge.
‼️ In Victoria, shoplifting is treated as theft, with penalties that can include fines and imprisonment.
‼️ In NSW, shoplifting is a criminal offence, and police can issue a Criminal Infringement Notice for some minor shoplifting offences.
‼️ In WA, repeat shoplifters who steal goods worth less than $1,000 and have 2 prior convictions within 12 months can face up to 2 years' imprisonment or a $24,000 fine.
‼️ In the NT, shoplifting goods worth less than $500 carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units or 6 months' imprisonment.
‼️ In Tasmania, stealing goods worth $500 or less can attract a fine of up to $2,130 or 3 months' imprisonment.
‼️ In the ACT, stealing goods worth $2,000 or less can attract a fine of up to $8,000, 6 months' imprisonment, or both.
You don't have to go to extreme lengths like stealing to make your budget work.
As a Finder member, you're eligible for Finder Rewards, which are Visa gift cards that are worth anything from $20 all the way through to $1,000.
You get paid a gift card just for switching an eligible household bill.
And you can switch across a range of different bills, and watch your reward gift cards stack up!
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