A member of the Australian rock band Ocean Alley has publicly apologised for shoplifting after he was caught on camera stealing a drink bottle lid from a Hunting & Fishing store in Queenstown.
Lachlan Galbraith, the band's keyboardist, has asked for forgiveness for the "act of complete foolishness", and affirmed his actions do not reflect those of the rest of the band.
Galbraith came under fire after the retailer took to social media to call him out on the theft.
The since deleted post said that the store was glad to see the band in town to perform at Rhythm and Alps on New Year's Eve but that it wanted the bottle cap back.
"Unfortunately it looks like there was just a little too much 'Confidence' in store today" the post said, referencing the band's hit song, Confidence.
"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 accompanying photo shows Galbraith standing next to a Yeti drink bottle array and putting an item into his bag.
On New Year's Eve, the store then posted to Facebook, "Thanks to the guys from Ocean Alley for reaching out. Good luck with the tour and all the best for 2024. Happy New Year's QT!!!!!"
Galbraith has also posted an apology to the band's Instagram account.
"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."
Ocean Alley are touring New Zealand at the moment, with gigs in Wellington and Whangamatā this week.
