‘So, this happened today…’ An ALDI shopper has issued an urgent warning after being targeted by thieves

No one ever suspects they’ll be the victim of a petty crime when they’re out and about – especially while shopping for groceries.

But because grocery shopping can be stressful at times (especially during sales), some may forget to keep an eye out for their recently-bought items.

Unfortunately, this is what happened to one shopper who claimed to be the victim of this sneaky crime.



An ALDI shopper is warning fellow customers to ‘protect’ their groceries after an encounter with a sly shopper at the checkout lane.

In a post to a popular Facebook group, the shopper made a post detailing the incident – which left other ALDI shoppers horrified.

According to her post, a neighbouring shopper had pilfered some of her grocery items while she was packing them inside her shopping bags.


ALDI1.jpg
The crime horrified other shoppers. Credit: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

‘Has anyone else had an experience in ALDI while packing their groceries, another customer pulls up beside you to pack their groceries and steals some of your groceries and packs them into their shopping bags?’ The customer wrote.

‘This happened today…true story,’ they added.

According to the shopper, they only realised what had happened because they put a few of their grocery items aside for lunch.

‘Otherwise, I would have been none the wiser. Protect your groceries people…food is expensive.’



Many ALDI shoppers were shocked at what the customer experienced.

‘That is the height of rudeness,’ one person claimed.

‘The bloody nerve of some people. Thanks for the heads up. I never even thought that was something that could happen,’ another shared.

However, others offered another side to the story, saying that it could have been an honest mistake.

‘Maybe it was an accident?’ Someone suggested.

‘I suspect it was an accident (tired/unwell/too stressed to pay attention) or even worse, that she was very poor and hungry,’ wrote another.


ALDI2.jpg
An ALDI shopper said a random person pulled up beside them and claimed that they ‘stole’ some of their groceries. Credit: ALDI

Other ALDI shoppers gave some useful advice to the shopper. One of which was to stop packing bags on the bench and try other methods.

‘I haven’t packed at the bench for years. Collapsible washing baskets and coolers in my boot, chuck it all in those,’ one customer said.

Another replied: ‘I don’t get why people don’t use the trolley bags. I can pack my trolley at the register faster than the cashier can scan my things. No double handling!’

‘I just pack my bags when I get to the back of my car,’ a third responded.



This isn’t the first time social media users weighed in on a ‘rude’ act. A Woolworths customer asked in another popular Facebook group if it might be considered ‘rude’ to swipe their Rewards card on someone else’s grocery shop during checkout, provided that the other person gave permission.

It was revealed that the question came after she scored a free 852 points from another shopper who bought $160 worth of groceries and didn’t have a card of their own. According to the shopper, the other customer was ‘more than happy’ to give them their points.

This is where the debate comes in because other social media users cautioned against this behaviour because they argued it was ‘ethically wrong to claim benefits from groceries you didn’t pay for’.

Others claimed that it was acceptable to take someone else’ points, provided that the other person offers first. If not, it would be acceptable to ask to take them. More details about this story can be read here.

With all this talk about sneaky behaviours, it begs the question of whether shoplifting is a mere act stemming from need or for personal gain, or if it has a connection to cognitive behaviour.

According to some reports, ‘typical shoplifters’ steal for personal gain and they thrive on the ‘thrill’ that the act provides. It’s also connected to a rebellious motivation, especially in younger adults. However, some people suffer from a psychological or cognitive behavioural disorder that makes the person act on impulse. This is called kleptomania.

People who suffer from this often fall victim to an urge that’s so powerful they cannot resist it, and afterwards, they often feel genuine guilt or shame. Kleptomania sufferers often steal spontaneously and do not premeditate or plan their actions. They also act without other people’s help or collaboration. Most steal in public places, like grocery stores, or often take from friends and family.

The items taken (which are usually of little to no value) are often stashed, never used, given away, or returned from where they were taken.
Key Takeaways
  • An ALDI supermarket customer is warning fellow shoppers to 'protect [their] groceries' after a sly shopper stole items from her.
  • Many ALDI shoppers were shocked by the incident, while some defended it as an honest mistake.
  • Other ALDI shoppers suggested packing strategies to avoid similar issues in the future.
Have you ever experienced anything like this while shopping at your local ALDI? This is something we’d never even considered and will definitely be keeping our eyes peeled. Share your story in the comments below!
 
Sponsored
I never shop at Aldi for many reasons. They charge for their trolleys so shoppers go to other stores ie Coles and Woolworths and take those stores trolleys leaving empty bays for their shoppers. Secondly, Coles and Woolworths will pack your bags. Thirdly, Aldi profits leave Australia. At least with Coles and Woolworths you can buy shares.
Firstly I've got an Aldi's dollar size token that they sell for 99c that's always on my keyring so I always use that for my trolley. Must take me seconds to put it in the slot!!!:rolleyes: It's not as if you're actually paying for it and not getting your money back after. And supermarkets are now being fined if they don't pick up abandoned trollies within a certain time limit. So you'll find that they'll all start charging at some time. And don't go to the UK. All supermarkets charge for trollies there and have done for years.

Secondly, I hate people packing my bags as they don't pack them in the way I would, so I just put everything in the trolley, after being scanned, or go to self scan, and sort it out properly in my car boot. Although the best way of shopping in some Woolworth's is with their Scan&Go. Scan everything yourself as you buy it then pay at a dedicated terminal on the way out. Havent got to worry how your goods are packed or waiting in a queue.(y)

Thirdly. All Aldi's profits are reinvested in their Australian business. It doesn't go abroad and they paid $270m in tax last year.
aldi keyring.jpg
 
Firstly I've got an Aldi's dollar size token that they sell for 99c that's always on my keyring so I always use that for my trolley. Must take me seconds to put it in the slot!!!:rolleyes: It's not as if you're actually paying for it and not getting your money back after. And supermarkets are now being fined if they don't pick up abandoned trollies within a certain time limit. So you'll find that they'll all start charging at some time. And don't go to the UK. All supermarkets charge for trollies there and have done for years.

Secondly, I hate people packing my bags as they don't pack them in the way I would, so I just put everything in the trolley, after being scanned, or go to self scan, and sort it out properly in my car boot. Although the best way of shopping in some Woolworth's is with their Scan&Go. Scan everything yourself as you buy it then pay at a dedicated terminal on the way out. Havent got to worry how your goods are packed or waiting in a queue.(y)

Thirdly. All Aldi's profits are reinvested in their Australian business. It doesn't go abroad and they paid $270m in tax last year.
View attachment 16067
Fourthly, I feel to add if I may that Woolworths is not Australian owned, it is American owned. I walked all through Woolworths today I did by a lettuce but spent just under a $100.00 at Aldi. Yep, different strokes for different folks as they say.
 
Fourthly, I feel to add if I may that Woolworths is not Australian owned, it is American owned. I walked all through Woolworths today I did by a lettuce but spent just under a $100.00 at Aldi. Yep, different strokes for different folks as they say.
Fifthly, the Australian Woolworths is 100% Australian owned. Only the American Woolworths was American owned and they never wanted to open any shops in Australia.

Sixthly, I prefer the fruit and veg in Aldi and main shopping items in Woolworths.🙂
 
Fifthly, the Australian Woolworths is 100% Australian owned. Only the American Woolworths was American owned and they never wanted to open any shops in Australia.

Sixthly, I prefer the fruit and veg in Aldi and main shopping items in Woolworths.🙂
You are correct eh. My feeling that it wasn't an Australian company, occurred recently when an in-store assistant told me face to face, that the reason behind systems change was because all management decisions now come from overseas. It seems the standard practice to sell just about everything else that is Australian, to the highest bidder, so I thought this was just another thing gone. I normally check everything before posting. However yep, you are right feedy50. I failed on this one mate. I shall do better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: freedy50
I don't know where you live but Coles and Woolies here charge for trolleys too! Some Coles stores don't but every Woolies one does!

I never shop at Aldi for many reasons. They charge for their trolleys so shoppers go to other stores ie Coles and Woolworths and take those stores trolleys leaving empty bays for their shoppers. Secondly, Coles and Woolworths will pack your bags. Thirdly, Aldi profits leave Australia. At least with Coles and Woolworths you can buy shares.
I shop at every store looking for what's on sale,need too with prices escalating. Also enjoy noticing the differences which can be quite surprising
 
I was in Woolworths, a while back and called a passing manager over. "Excuse me, "I said. "Could I show you something?" watch, I said "everywhere I push this trolley it goes smoothly.

It doesn't seem to matter, if I swing to the left or to the right, nothing rattles of squeaks. I feel the need to ask you, have I won a competition, as this has not ever happened before."

The store manager leant in and said " I have looked for one like that myself for years, thanks mate, I may put it out the back for my personal use. when you're finished with it. ha ha ha
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×