Shoppers have hit out over bag checks at budget supermarket Aldi. The retailer has confirmed that in areas where there is a 'local issue', customers' shopping bags are being checked to make sure they haven't stolen anything.
One shopper shared details of her store's checking procedures on a Facebook page asking whether the same was happening elsewhere. And she said handbags were also being looked in, as well as shopping bags.
Aldi has confirmed that it is only bags used to pack shopping that are checked and not other personal bags or handbags. But many shoppers said they would not be happy either way.
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"I got asked in my local Aldi this morning as I was going through the till, if she (the cashier) could look in my bag," said one customer. "I asked why and was told they're checking everyone's bags at the till because they have a shoplifting problem. I refused and was told she couldn't serve me then.
"I have nothing to hide but I resent having to prove I'm innocent to do my shopping.
"I'm an ex store detective, do they really think bags are the only place goods can be hidden in anyway. As private property they can do what they like as we're invited in to shop with them, but that doesn't excuse this ridiculous behaviour. Will go back tomorrow with several shopping bags with other items in from other shops and see what they make of that.
"They need to address their own leakage issues by having a proper security policy and not annoy their shoppers by making them all feel like dishonest people just doing their shopping."
Another shopper added: "Wouldn't let them go through my bags. Nothing to hide but not being treated like I have."
But not everyone is against the idea. Others said they have no problem with their bags being checked.
"Crack on I say," said one customer. "Got nothing to hide so why not? If it helps keep prices down go for it."
Another added: "As a deterrent to shoplifters, I think it’s fine. I do not want to subsidise other people’s shopping."
Aldi told the Manchester Evening News that these bag checks are 'not a national policy', but 'where necessary, checks are sometimes introduced at individual stores as a short-term measure in response to a local issue'.
It said checks are 'conducted with the customers’ permission and should only cover the bags they’re using to pack their shopping, not handbags or other personal bags'.
Have you noticed bag checks at your local Aldi? Would you consent to your bags being checked by staff? Let us know in the comments.
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