Pocket controls at Aldi: outrage about new theft protection measures!

Pocket controls at Aldi: outrage about new theft protection measures!

The increasing number of shoplifting and the associated measures by discounters such as Aldi raise questions about dealing with customer rights. According to derwesten.de report discounters of an increase in thefts, which caused some retailers to introduce pocket controls. A remarkable incident occurred with the cabaret artist Karen Sharman from Brighton, which was uncomfortably surprised when shopping in an Aldi branch.

When Karen wanted to pay at the cash register, she was asked to open her bag for control. This request led to outrage and made it contact the branch manager. She filmed the incident with her cell phone and made her displeasure through the practice. The trigger for these controls is increasing crime, which increased by over 23 percent in Germany in 2023, as police crime statistics show. Over 426,000 cases of shoplifting stories have been counted, which leads to losses of several billion euros for the trading companies, reports the German Trade Association (HDE).

customer rights and pocket controls

The consumer center emphasizes that pocket inspections in Germany are legally problematic in Germany without concrete suspicion of theft. Customers have the right to refuse such a control unless there is a reasonable suspicion. In cases in which theft is observed in the act, however, security forces may take measures.

Disregarding illegal pocket control can lead to a house ban, which exacerbates the potential conflict between customers and dealers. The ongoing discussion about shop theft and the methods to combat underline the need for equilibrium between the safety of the business and the rights of customers.

increasing crime and demands for measures

The current situation has led to demands for more consistent criminal prosecution of shoplifting. Stefan Genth, managing director of the trade association, emphasizes the need for the judiciary and police to act against professionally organized thieves gangs. Complicated scripts and the high number of unreported cases, which is supposed to be over 90 percent, make the effects of shop theft clear. The trade association also calls for better cooperation between police authorities and public prosecutors to take into account the international aspects of crime.

The incidents of pocket controls at Aldi and the increasing numbers of thefts illustrate the challenges with which the retail industry is confronted. In this area of ​​tension, clear guidelines and respectful use of dealers and customers are essential to find a solution that meets both sides.