A popular cafe in Sydney, often referred to as 'Australia's Erewhon', has released CCTV footage of what it calls 'fake checkout thefts' following a series of alleged incidents. Common Supply, with locations in Bondi and Sydney CBD, is renowned for its elaborate specialty matcha lattes and smoothies, priced between $16 and $20.
Incidents at the Cafe
Staff at the Instagram-famous cafe claim they have been targeted on four consecutive days by shoppers employing a deceptive tactic to avoid payment at the store's self-service kiosk, situated near a large double-door fridge stocked with breakfast items and cold drinks. The venue alleges that several customers have taken items from the fridges and then pretended to tap their bank cards at the iPad checkout stations.
CCTV Footage Details
CCTV footage from April 23 shows a man in a hoodie, cap, and wireless headphones taking a juice and a breakfast pot from the well-stocked fridge. The man then walks to the self-checkout and taps the screen as if paying for his order, before exiting with his items. The following day, the store claims two men were caught grabbing multiple drinks and performing what appeared to be the same 'fake checkout' routine. The store reported a string of incidents over the Anzac Day long weekend.
'Didn't think we'd ever have to post something like this, especially in Bondi of all places,' the store captioned the CCTV footage. 'Maybe the front fridge looked like a self-serve situation? Or maybe these boys thought they'd cracked the ultimate life hack?'
Response from the Business
Common Supply stated that it had identified the men in the videos and asked for an explanation. Only one individual responded, blaming his actions on a 'big night' the previous evening. Aussies were quick to share their thoughts on the incidents. 'So sad to see this happen in our community, especially to a business you've put so much heart and work into. No one deserves that,' one person commented. Former Bachelor star and Bondi resident Thomas Malucelli also weighed in, describing it as 'disappointing behaviour'.
Common Supply emphasized that it is a small, independently owned business, and the loss of the items 'added up over time'. 'Please just pay for what you take. That's all we ask,' the company wrote.
Background on Common Supply
Common Supply owner Jacob Hill previously told news.com.au that his company aimed to be the Australian answer to Erewhon, a chain of supermarkets in Los Angeles known for organic food and smoothies. 'It's a nice compliment, although it was never the intention. We designed Common Supply from scratch... every part of the space was designed and built by us, so the aesthetic, feels and flavour are completely our own,' he said last year. The Daily Mail has contacted Common Supply for comment.
