I recently walked out of a store carrying items for which I had not paid. I quickly did an about turn, and handed over the money.

It didn't lead to me being stopped but it was a heart-stopping moment. Absent-mindedness certainly, not theft, but it can mistakenly be seen as such.

Since self-service took over from real service 30 years ago you are well advised to keep your wits about you when shopping especially if you're elderly or a bit of a scatterbrain.

Self-service is quick but I have shopped in football pitch-sized stores in which you would need a bloodhound to find an assistant. Max Nottingham

St Faith's Street, Lincoln