Lidl with drastic measure: Discounter now even secures meat with theft lock

Created: 09/14/2022, 15:17

By: Patrick Freiwah

Logo of a Lidl branch.

© IMAGO/Michael Gstettenbauer

Because meat has become more expensive at Lidl, the discounter has recorded an increase in thefts in its branches.

Now an unusual step is taken.

Neckarsulm/Munich - The cost of living in Germany has risen.

Due to the energy crisis, there are sometimes massive inflation rates in almost all sectors.

This also applies to staple foods such as meat.

Because this fact has apparently also increased the incidence of theft, Lidl in the east of the republic is reacting with a remarkable measure: in some Saxon branches, the discounter only offers various meat products with a theft lock.

Lidl protects itself against thieves - groceries equipped with anti-theft devices

The underlying cause seems clear: In times of crisis, more people are stolen than usual, which is why it is a safeguard against thieves, who often swipe items due to higher prices.

In the corresponding Lidl branches, products such as minced meat, chicken legs or beef goulash are only available with protection.

Recordings of it are circulating on the internet (we reported).

The principle of anti-theft protection is also not unknown to German consumers: For example, products in sports or fashion shops have long been equipped with electronic anti-theft devices, which are removed or neutralized at the checkout upon purchase.

On the other hand, the goods would activate an alarm signal when leaving the store.

Lidl sells meat with a theft lock - butter is also protected in some places

At Lidl, this system is now also being used for groceries.

So far, there has been no official statement from the company - however, we reported back in July that the fuse is also used for butter in Baden-Württemberg.

This scenario has long since become reality in other countries: in Poland and Great Britain, for example, certain foods are only offered with an anti-theft device in some places.

Meanwhile, the Lidl range will probably change more extensively from next year.

The trigger is inflation:

also read

Aldi, Edeka, Lidl affected: Seven types of cheese recalled across Germany - recall extended

Do not simply dry laundry in the apartment: it can be expensive and dangerous

Lidl: Inflation increases theft of basic foodstuffs

Bild.de

quotes Stefan Hertel from the German Trade Association: "In previous years, small, expensive products were most frequently stolen, such as batteries, razor blades or high-quality alcohol." weight drop.

In addition, Lidl is currently attracting customers with an offer for Turkey.

But in the target country on the Bosphorus, that doesn't go down well at all.