PressSplit
What to do if you catch a thief in the supermarket? A legal expert gives valuable tips and explains the rights of customers and employees.
Munich – Every day, numerous customers flock to supermarkets and discounters to do their shopping. But not everyone follows the rules of the game. Shoplifters occasionally mingle with the customers. But how should you react if you catch a thief red-handed in the supermarket?
Expert explains: How to react correctly to shoplifting in the supermarket
The question of what customers, employees and store detectives are allowed to do if they witness a supermarket theft is unclear to many. There is also uncertainty about what rights supermarket employees or store detectives have if they confront a thief during his crime. An expert explains what is permissible in the event of shoplifting in the supermarket.
Can a store detective, employee or customer arrest a thief in the supermarket? An expert explains. © Andrey Popov/Imago
The lawyer Dr. Veaceslav Ghendler posted himself on his Facebook account “Dr. Law” deals with this topic. According to his law firm’s website, the insolvency lawyer “specializes in representing consumers” and has been advocating for their rights and interests for years.
Police warn against heroic acts
The lawyer adds: “For the supermarket owner, this means that he can hold the shoplifter until the police come.” This could also be done by a store detective – and, according to the lawyer, he can use physical force if the thief escapes tried. However, the Fulda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) points out on its website: “When making an arrest, i.e. when detaining someone, attention must be paid to the proportionality of the means. Only when it is appropriate to the importance of the matter may a thief be brought down, pinned to the ground or even tied up.”
The Bremen police advise both employees and customers to be careful in a brochure on the subject of shoplifting. If they want to arrest a thief at Aldi, Lidl, Kaufland, Edeka or another retailer, the police appeal to them to act prudently: “Keep calm! Don’t do heroic deeds! Don’t put yourself in danger. Life and health come first.”
To influence customer purchasing behavior, supermarkets use subtle strategies. The Öko-Test has revealed the most important tricks. (kh)
