Police allege the man loaded up his trolley with goods worth $47 at 2pm last Wednesday and left the store through the loading dock without paying.

Proprietor of the IGA Supermarket, Serena Lynch said shoplifting had been on the rise over recent months.

She said that high school students were the biggest problem, especially during school time.

“We have installed hidden cameras that we monitor 24/7 and have employed a plain clothes security to help,” Mrs Lynch said. “All the staff have been trained on our new policy that police will be called and the offender charged.”

It’s a similar story in Urunga.

Jeanene Duncan, Owner of the Foodworks Supermarket, said that since the start of the 'so-called' recession she had experienced an increase in the number of thefts, especially by older members of the community.

“They like to place the big ticket items in their bags, but only present cheaper items at the check-out,” Ms Duncan said.

However, parents of young children also are great offenders.

“Many parents like to appease their children by offering them a piece of fruit or stick icecream, or by opening a packet of lollies, then somehow 'forget' to pay for the item,” she said.

“School children like to hang-out in the lolly aisle, waiting for that busy moment when floor staff are busy.

Jeanene Duncan said one of the most frustrating incidents these days was when staff asked a customer if they could check their bags or leave bulky items at the entrance.

“While the majority are more than happy to present their bags for inspection, some like to make a song and dance or flatly refuse to oblige,” she said.