Two men have been allegedly caught red-handed stealing packs of toilet paper from supermarket loading docks.

The pair targeted several supermarkets in Sydney’s western suburbs on Sunday night, police say.

They allegedly tried to ransack the restricted areas of stores in Granville, Auburn, Bass Hill and Lidcombe.

It was also reported one of the men threatened an employee with a knife while at the Auburn store.

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Police say they targeted toilet paper and stole several packs from Granville and Auburn but left Bass Hill and Lidcombe empty-handed.

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Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliot say the men need to “grow up” and look out for our most vulnerable.

“I support any measures taken by police to protect our communities from this sort of disgraceful criminal activity, “ he said.

“The people of NSW will not tolerate criminal behaviour at any time, let alone during this crisis.”

Empty shelves of toilet rolls at a Coles supermarket. Credit: James Gourley / AAP

The alleged thieving and attempted thieving comes after weeks of short supply of toilet paper on Australian shelves.

Stockpiling due to fears of being locked in self-isolation due to coronavirus has led to chaotic scenes and fights at stores across Australia.

Each of Australia’s supermarket giants have spoken publicly to assure customers there is plenty of stock to go around if everyone can act civilly and shop within their requirements.