A desperate Brit says he stole sandwiches from Poundland to survive the cost-of-living crisis. The Mirror reports former delivery driver Steve Anthony, 42, said he had exhausted "every other avenue" before pinching the food.
Steve stopped shoplifting after receiving help from a local community hub, although many other desperate Brits are reported to be turning to crime to survive. Shops have reported a rise in the theft of low-value items like milk, cheese, cooking oil, baby milk and nappies.
Mum-of-four Lisa Ann admitted that she had stolen from a Co-op due to soaring energy and food prices. Both she and Steve also save money through other means, such as washing themselves in cold water and eating just once a day.
Household energy bills increased by 54% in April this year, and are likely to continue spiralling with analysts predicting that the October price cap could hit £3,359.
Steve, from Sheffield, admitted: "I've gone into Poundland and stolen things because I've not had enough money. I've taken sandwiches. I did it when I wasn't able to take my anti-depressants because I hadn't eaten. I need to eat food before I take the tablets or they don't work."
Steve, who cannot work because of depression, said he only stole the food after exhausting "every other avenue". He has stopped shoplifting since receiving help from Sheffield's Link Community Hub, which provides emergency food supplies to the needy.
He added: "Before prices went up I managed to make my money last a fortnight. Now a few days after I get paid I have to come to the food bank."
Steve said he is sometimes left without electricity and gas because he cannot afford to pay off the debt on his pre-payment meter - a method which is frequently more expensive than paying through direct debit. The price cap on pre-payment tariffs increased to an average of £2,017 a year in April, up by 54% from its previous level of £1,309, according to MoneySavingExpert.com.
Steve, who claims employment and support allowance (ESA), only eats once a day. His usual meal is spaghetti bolognese but he cannot afford to buy meat for the dish and receives 60% to 75% of his food from the food bank.
Lisa, 41, also receives help at The Link Community Hub and said she too was forced to steal food. She added her life has become so bleak she "wants to kill herself every day".
She said: "I stole sausages, bread and butter from the Co-op to make a sandwich. That was before I came to the hub. Since January I've lost a stone-and-a-half because I haven't been eating.
"I haven't had deodorant for a couple of weeks. I wake up every morning and I want to kill myself."
Lisa, who is also on anti-depressants, said she recently had to send her children to live with their grandmother because she could not cope any longer.
The Link Community Hub is currently working with Sheffield City Council to move into a new premises. The hub's flat will have a shower and cooking facilities, enabling people to enjoy a hot meal and a wash.
Helen Eadon, who runs The Link Community Hub, said: "These are people who suffer with mental health issues anyway."
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