Australian Rhythm and Alps star admits Queenstown shoplifting

In an embarrassing “act of complete foolishness” a member of the Australian chart topping rock band Ocean Alley has admitted shoplifting from a Queenstown retail store.

A post on Queenstown Hunting and Fishing’s social channels said it was good to see the band in town to perform at Rhythm and Alps on New Year’s Eve.

“Unfortunately it looks like there was just a little too much ‘Confidence’ in store today” the post said, playing on the name of the band’s hit song, Confidence, which took out number one on Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2018.

“We realise hydration is important so no worries, but please feel free to return the @yeti_nzl Chug Cap back before you leave town tomorrow. All the best for 2024 and the tour ahead.”

The post was later removed but not before being screen grabbed by a number of sharp eyed locals and sent to Crux.

Security camera footage appears to show one of the band members standing next to a Yeti drink bottle array, putting an item into a bag slung over his shoulder.

Hunting and Fishing security footage posted to Instagram appeared to show band members putting an item into a shoulder bag without paying for it.

After the post was removed by Hunting and Fishing the store posted a second time thanking the band for getting in touch.

The second social media post from Hunting and Fishing suggests that all was forgiven.

In a statement to NZME Ocean Alley’s Keyboardist and vocalist Lachlan Galbraith said:

“Yesterday in an act of complete foolishness, I stole a drink bottle lid from Queenstown Hunting & Fishing,” he said.

“It is a moment I am not proud of and one that I have deep regret and remorse for. I’ve apologised directly to the team at the store and we’ve rectified the situation.

“I’m sorry for disappointing our fans, the store and of course the band. My actions do not reflect on how we carry ourselves as a band.”