A TEENAGE Toowoomba checkout operator has posted a video on the internet pleading with a mystery shopper to help him keep his job.

Grant Manych, 17, was operating a checkout at Big W at Clifford Gardens on Monday when he says he accidentally put a bag containing about $500 into a female customer’s shopping bag.

The cash was in a bag ready to be picked up by another staff member and taken to a secure part of the store.

However, because no CCTV footage is available of Mr Manych’s checkout from the time of the incident, store management has come to the conclusion that Mr Manych took the money.

Mr Manych said his manager informed him yesterday police would be investigating the incident.

So, desperate to keep his job, the 17-year-old has posted a video on YouTube pleading for the shopper who has the cash to return it to the store.

“It was a mistake,” Mr Manych said.

“It was a busy day and I was trying to serve the lady and put the money in the bag at the same time and I accidentally put the cash bag in the customer’s shopping bag.”

Mr Manych said the shopper was a woman in her 50s who was quite tall and had dark hair.

She bought two blouses and lipstick and was at the checkout about 2pm.

“I’m just hoping the lady can realise what this is doing to me.

“This could affect future jobs for the rest of my life if I’m prosecuted,” he said.

Mr Manych said he had worked for Big W in Toowoomba casually for about a year and said he planned to study at TAFE next year.

Mr Manych’s message for the shopper was simple.

“Please just think how this could affect the rest of my life.”

Big W Toowoomba was unable to comment when contacted yesterday.

If you know anything about the money call Grant on 0429 324 668.

