Post pandemic, there seems to be a number of issues that society has to learn to navigate in new ways, including shopping. In the US more than an estimated 95 billion dollars has been lost in retail profits due to an excess of theft. However, America isn’t the only country struggling this new terrain. For example, Aldi grocery stores in the UK are also figuring out new ways to combat theft, implementing new policies. Sadly, these policies have caused some backlash.
Aldi is Taking Action
It’s no secret that stores like Walgreens and Target have taken serious measures to prevent theft. Many have hired security, locked products behind glass, or added security labels to their products. Something that Aldi has also taken part in to help minimize the threat of theft because the rise in theft hasn’t just affected retail stores but grocery stores as well.
Alternatively, customers have been baffled by some of these policies such as shoppers forced to pay to rent a shopping cart. However, they’re now causing some frustration to shoppers for a new rule. Aldi has implemented a rule that shoppers have to allow their bags to be checked prior to leaving the store.
Explaining the New Aldi Policy
Many customers are outraged by the lack of trust and the invasive methods through which they are being treated. According to Aldi’s policies, if a customer refuses to have their bag searched, Aldi will refuse service to them, barring them from making future purposes. In contrast, this new rule won’t extend to personal belongings such as purses. “We are asking that they allow us to look in the bags to see if they are empty.” Explained an Aldi employee, “We have been asking to look in the bags to make sure none of our items are in there”. In contrast, the policy that was announced in May, has not been a “national policy”. Instead, each store has the choice of whether or not to enforce this policy.
Many average citizens are outraged by the rising cost of products. Meanwhile, company profits are reported to be higher than ever before and seem to continue skyrocketing. As such, Co-op CEO Matt Hood is “disappointed” by customers justifying their shoplifting with the explanation of “company profiteering”.
Aldi Uses Other Security Measures
In addition to this new policy Aldi has also baffled customers with their cart rentals and security tags. For example, Aldi cheeses now have a security tag. Meanwhile, steaks have been removed from the shelves and shoppers are forced to go directly to the deli or butcher in order to purchase steaks and other “expensive” meats.
Moreover, some of these products have been locked up in plastic bins. However, meat and cheeses aren’t the only products subject to the new “heftier” packaging. Butter, chocolate, and toothpaste are among some of the other items that have been placed in “security bags“.
The Truth About Theft
Interestingly, although the pandemic and inflation have played a major role in the rise of retail theft, it turns out that theft has actually been on the rise for around 5 years. Interestingly, with the exception of this year’s losses, 2019 was actually the worst in the last 5 years when it comes to profit losses and theft. According to the New York Post, shoplifting brought an $11 billion loss increase compared to the previous year. In 2020 and 2021, companies saw less theft than, likely attributed to the fact that stores were closed down for in person shopping. However, many shops and restaurants offered delivery services as an alternative. Although, it’s uncertain if Aldi was one of the participating chains.
Changing Demographics
Sadly, the shoplifting demographic has shifted from rebellious teens and substance users to “gangs” that are selling their stolen goods for a profit. While it’s been a law for years that only police can legally handle or detain a suspected shoplifter, recently businesses have gone far as to threaten to fire employees for fighting back against theft attempts. A rule that law enforcement has also correlated to the rise of retail theft. “Without deterrents and accountability, communities will be victimized, and businesses terrorized,” explained Laura Cooper, head of MCCA. To combat these attempts, Aldi and other stores are taking extreme measures.
Shifting Priorities
Unfortunately, law enforcement has also shifted their services and priorities. According to the UK grocery stores, around 70% of calls regarding shop theft go unanswered or are never followed up. A tragedy for many because estimates from one report show that around 5-6 people per every thousand has taken part in the new trend of shoplifting in the UK.
It turns out that Aldi isn’t the only UK based shop that has been increasing security measures. Sainsbury and Tesco have also been reported to be adding measures such as security tags. Similar to Aldi, a Sainsbury rep disclosed that these changes “will vary from store to store.“
Avenues of Security Usage
Both European and American stores are seeing a wide range of controversy as they work to combat the rising trend of shoplifting. Although measures vary from store to store, or company to company there are some common methods used by many. Examples include:
- Hiring security
- Adding a “surcharge” to compensate for profit losses
- Rentable Shopping Carts
- Security Tags on items
- Security cameras
- Locking up items and requiring associate assistance
- Shopping carts that lock up when a “shopper” tries to remove it from the parking lot
Self-Checkout Plays a Role
Another factor that has been to blame for increased shoplifting includes the trend of the self-checkout. Some customers prefer not to have to interact or want to get in and out quickly, and so prefer the self-checkout method. While others either struggle to navigate the technology or feel it’s not the customer’s job to checkout or bag items. This decision has created some controversy but ultimately seems like it’ll make monitoring shoppers more difficult.
As Aldi, other stores, and we as a living species, learn to work through seemingly uncertain and changing times, many changes will likely take place in coming years. We might even be able to speed up the process if people learned to treat others with kindness, patience, and respect during the trial-and-error process.
Sources
- “Discount grocer Aldi is securing $4.80 blocks of cheese in plastic security cages to deter shoplifting amid cost-of-living crisis.” Insider. Grace Dean July 6, 2022.
- “Aldi Employee Told to Refuse Service if Customer’s Refuse New Bag Policy.” Joe. Charlie Herbert August 3, 2023.
- “Why shoplifting is soaring across the US — and will only get worse.” New York Post. Steven Malanga January 22, 2022.
- “Why Aldi’s Anti-Shoplifting Technique Is Enraging Customers.” Mashed. Julia Mullaney. July 11, 2022.
- “Aldi staff ‘told to refuse to serve customers if they don’t allow bag check’. Yahoo Mail Jimmy Nsubuga August 5, 2023