Supermarket theft is increasing, putting even more pressure on the sector. Whereas previously it was more expensive items that were targeted by shoplifters, there is less distinction now.
"Thieves steal a loaf of bread or a packet of pasta!" Sophie Gérard of Proxy Delhaize in Namur told L'Avenir. And though theft has plagued supermarket managers for years, but it is becoming more frequent. "In my opinion, Covid-19 and the end of the lockdown were turning points. When life returned to the city centre, we really saw the impoverishment of the population."
Pascal Niclot owns a small supermarket in Namur and says that inflation and the energy crisis have only accentuated the phenomenon. "People are having trouble paying for heating, rent and food. So some people are unfortunately tempted to steal." Niclot has seen a change in items being taken, with even frozen food sometimes taken. He estimates thefts to account for 0.5% of turnover.
Addressing misconceptions
The profiles of thieves are very varied explained Benoît Kennes, director of Aplsia (the French-speaking professional association of independent self-service food stores). "People often assume that theft takes place in the most deprived areas but in reality, it exists everywhere."
The thefts put further pressure on professionals, who are mostly small independents. "People often think they are stealing from Delhaize or Carrefour. They don't feel guilty because they think they are stealing from a multinational. But this is completely wrong. In 70-80% of the cases, independents are running these shops."
Some large chains are discreet on the issue, but they also report an increase in the number of thefts. "According to our prevention department, the number of stolen foodstuffs has indeed increased," stated Colruyt. "The inspectors in our shops are carrying out more interventions at the moment. Their presence has been reinforced and increased in all regions."
Staff stress
Faced with these offences, shopkeepers feel helpless. "We try to increase our presence during peak hours, we also spot people behaving strangely," explained Sophie Gérard. "There are people who go through the checkout without paying for their entire basket. The staff are quite good at stopping this and call out to the person while keeping calm. The main thing is obviously to avoid putting oneself in danger."
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Offenders are liable to fines but often by the time the police arrive on the scene, it is too late. A solution in the stores has been to keep their own record of offences but the extra workload is not sustainable in the long run.
