Basket bandits: 3.3 million Aussies have stolen a basket or trolley from the supermarket
A surprising number of Aussie shoppers have gone rogue with supermarket baskets or trolleys in the past year, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,062 respondents revealed 16% – equivalent to 3.3 million people – have stolen a basket or trolley from the supermarket in the past 12 months.
The research found 6% couldn't be bothered to put it back, while the same amount (6%) were fueled by frustration.
Saving money on bag fees (3%), using it for future shopping trips (3%), and taking it for a cruise with friends (3%) were other reasons shoppers opted out of returning their basket or trolley.
This comes as almost 2 in 5 (38%) Australians rate their groceries among their top 3 most stressful expenses.
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said some shoppers are acting out as the cost of living hits wallets hard.
"Whether it's a bad habit, or a rebellious act, a concerning amount of Aussies are leaving supermarkets without returning their basket or trolley.
"You can bet if the trend continues, grocers will take more extreme measures to protect their property."
Gen Z were the worst offenders, with 30% admitting to stealing a basket or trolley from the supermarket, compared to 21% of gen Y and 10% of gen X.
Pike said supermarkets are cracking down on theft in supermarkets.
"Anti-theft technology has been installed in many supermarkets as the cost of living continues to wreak havoc.
"Multiple security measures have been enforced to stop shoppers in their tracks."
Pike said there are ways you can cut back on your grocery shop without resorting to petty theft.
"Invest in some reusable shopping bags which you can use every time you shop.
"Impulse buys are budget killers. Make a list, stick to it, and avoid those tempting treats at the checkout.
"Check catalogues, compare prices online, and don't be afraid to shop around for the best deals," Pike said.
| Have you removed a basket or trolley from the supermarket and not returned it in the past 12 months? | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I haven't returned a basket/trolley because I couldn't be bothered to take it back | 6% |
| Yes, I haven't returned a basket/trolley because I was annoyed with the supermarket | 6% |
| Yes, I haven't returned a basket/trolley to save money on paper bags | 3% |
| Yes, I haven't returned a basket/trolley because I want to ensure I have one next time I shop | 3% |
| Yes, I haven't returned a trolley because I wanted to push my friends around in it | 3% |
| Yes, I haven't returned a basket/trolley so I could walk my groceries home instead of unloading them into a car | 2% |
| I have done none of the above | 84% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,062 respondents, June 2024 |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,062 respondents from June 2024.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics, an SAP company.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Here are some ways you can save money on your groceries!