Aldi bag search policy in Chippenham 'insulting' customers

Taking to Facebook, one shopper reported that Aldi staff at the Methuen Park branch, in Chippenham, were now required to check people’s shopping bags at the till as part of the store’s “policy”.

Aldi confirmed bag checks are being carried out in a number of stores where needed.

They also told this paper these searches are in line with other retailers and are only carried out with customers’ permission.

The policy has caused controversy on social media, with many angry that shoppers are now being “treated as potential thieves.”

One Facebook user said: “I agree that if you are not stealing then you have nothing to hide BUT they are treating all of their customers as potential thieves, I find it quite insulting.”

Another shopper who had experienced the policy added: “I was honestly gobsmacked. I understand they have to do their job, but their attitude was awful and patronising.

“Made us feel so uncomfortable and guilty of something we hadn’t done.”

However other Facebook users were not opposed to the policy and claimed that this is a common practice at supermarkets around the country.

Aldi, Methuen Park, Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)One person said: “Yup, all Aldis do this. Nothing to hide then no worries in my eyes. This is due to the unfortunate few ruining it for most by sneaking things in or forgetting to get everything out of their bags when they reach the till.

“It is company policy now, been to ones in various locations across the UK and all have requested this.”

While some vowed not to return to the supermarket, others did not see the issue with searches of people’s shopping bags and felt the reaction was overblown.

One frequent shopper added: “If I go shopping in several stores, I always get my receipt and place it with the items I bought there.

“That way, if you are ever questioned, you are able to prove it. I wouldn’t be upset if someone checked my bags as everything has been paid for.”

Another branch user pointed out the policy has been infrequently enforced for some time.

“That’s been going for months, apparently it’s because there an awful lot of thieving going on”, they added.

“Why worry if you have nothing to hide? I feel sorry for the staff getting flak but they’re only doing their job.”

Commenters urged customers to not “take it out on the staff” who are “only doing what they’ve been told.”