Desperation Leads to a Unique Theft Method
A man in Wollongong, NSW, has been caught using an unusual method to steal hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries from a local Coles supermarket. Adrian Rondan, 54, used barcodes from Caramello Koala chocolates and gum to scan expensive items for a fraction of their cost.

Rondan cleverly attached the cheaper barcodes to his finger with Blu Tack, allowing him to scan them instead of the actual barcodes on items like steak, ice cream, and hair clippers. One of his shopping trips amounted to $143.10, but he only paid $11.20.
Rondan was caught on CCTV and charged with five counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. He pleaded guilty and received a nine-month prison sentence, which he will serve at home under an intensive corrections order. Rondan explained that he resorted to shoplifting due to his mother’s high medical bills, acknowledging, “I know I did wrong.”
This case highlights a broader issue: about 7% of Australians have admitted to stealing from supermarkets, almost double last year’s figures, according to finance expert Taylor Blackburn. It reflects the rising desperation in challenging economic times.
Source news.com