Man uses old receipt in attempted theft of cooking oil from uMhlanga store
Police say the suspect was detained by vigilant security guards inside the store.
A MAN who purchased five 5 gallons cooking oils from an uMhlanga store, and then attempted to steal the exact quantity of items using the same receipt, has been charged with fraud.
According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, the suspect allegedly tried to hoodwink security when exiting the store just hours after his legitimate purchase.
“The incident occurred on July 9, and the suspect entered the store and purchased five 5 gallon oils to the value of R1 200. He then exited the store with his purchase but returned just hours later and loaded the same number of oil bottles into his trolley,” he explained.
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It is unclear if the suspect hoped that a change of shift would work in his favour.
“He then bypassed the cashiers and attempted to leave the store. When security asked to view his receipt, they noticed the time stamp did not match up, and they alerted police. We commend the staff and security for being vigilant in this situation.”
Deokaran said a case of fraud has been opened at the station.
He added that police have recorded a spike in shoplifting cases across their policing precinct.
