Aldi checks cause outrage: is shoplifting the cause?

Aldi checks cause outrage: is shoplifting the cause?

Brighton, Vereinigtes Königreich - The debate about shoplifting is achieved in Germany, while British discounters like Aldi also try to counter these problems with controversial measures. In the past few months, rising prices at discounters such as Aldi have prompted customers to think more critically about their purchases. This could be a possible explanation for the increase in shoplifting steels that achieve a new record level in Germany.

A concise example of the effects of this situation provided the cabaret artist Karen Sharman from Brighton, which recently had an unpleasant experience when shopping at Aldi. When she wanted to pay at the cash register, she was asked by the cashier to open her bag for control. This measure is related to the "pick -up search" introduced in selected British branches in selected British branches, which serves to minimize shop theft. However, the control led to outrage because an older man was left through without any problems. Karen also documented the incidents with her cell phone and asked to speak the branch manager.

attack on privacy

The introduction of such measures has led to a massive discussion about the rights of customers. Aldi apologized to Karen for the experience, but emphasized the need for such controls in view of the increasing theft in retail. In Germany, however, control would be inadmissible without concrete suspicions and could be considered an intervention in personal rights. Customers are entitled to contradict such a control unless there is a reasonable suspicion.

The situation runs through various retail industries. A current EHI study has shown that in the previous year, goods worth 2.8 billion euros were stolen, which represents an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, the inventory differences, which rose to 4.8 billion euros in 2023. Many retailers also fear a further increase in thefts. Food and drugstores in particular are facing a growing threat.

causes for the increase in thefts

The increase in the shop theft is due to various factors. Experts, among other things, blame the shortage of skilled workers in retail. In addition, both occasional thieves and professional perpetrators, of whom are organized at least 25 percent. Popular product groups for thieves are, for example, spirits, tobacco products and many daily products such as cosmetics and food.

To combat the thefts, retailers such as Rewe and Ikea have adapted their security measures. For example, Rewe has dismantled open inputs and increased the security personnel. Ikea works closely with investigative authorities. In addition, the expenses for prevention measures in retail measures were estimated at 1.55 billion euros in 2023, with the total costs for inventory differences and avoidance over 6.3 billion euros.

These developments are directly related to the demand of the trade association for harder measures against shoplifting. The problems in retail are complex and require differentiated solutions to ensure both the security of the customers and to protect business.

More about the current situation at Aldi and the challenges in retail you will learn in the reports from The West and n-tv .