As of: February 19, 2024, 5:16 p.m
By: Nico Reiter
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If you don't use a shopping cart in the supermarket but bring a personal bag with you, you could get into trouble.
A branch manager explains why.
Munich – It is often not necessary to use a shopping cart, especially for small errands.
Many people simply store their purchases at the supermarket in a bag or backpack that they bring with them.
This may be pragmatic, but from a legal perspective it is not a good idea.
A branch manager at a Lidl location explains why it is better not to see the goods inside a private bag before paying.
The branch manager also has tips in store for fruit and vegetables.
And with his ten golden shopping rules you make life easier for the cashiers.
Private bag while shopping is punishable: branch manager explains on TikTok
“Is it allowed to take groceries in your own private bag or backpack to the checkout while shopping and pay there?” asks the man in his video.
To answer his question, he turns to the law.
He refers to Section 242 of the Criminal Code.
It states that stealing someone else's movable property is considered theft.
According to the store manager, the supermarket still owns the item until the payment is made.
Theoretically, stowing it in a private bag or even a jacket pocket could be considered attempted theft.
“It is often dealt with in an accommodating manner and not punished,” said the man in his video.
“But theoretically you are not allowed to carry groceries to the checkout in your private handbags or backpacks.” Finally, he gives some advice: “That’s why my tip to you: always get a shopping cart to avoid such misunderstandings.”
Legal situation: Shopping baskets and bags in the supermarket are a gray area
The ERGO
portal also
reiterates the branch manager's admonishing words.
As soon as the owner, in this case the supermarket, does not have direct access to the goods or cannot see them, they no longer have actual material control over the item.
Nevertheless, in order to justify a report, you still need the intent or intent to steal something.
You should therefore never use your jacket or trouser pocket, as this could be interpreted as an attempted theft.
Branch manager explains why it's better not to put your purchases in your backpack © Screenshot TIkTok: @der.filialleiter/Westend61/Imago
But what about private shopping baskets and bags?
An ordinary shopping basket that you can see is clearly permitted.
This does not constitute a complete removal of the goods as long as they are duly paid for.
Cloth bags and shopping bags are in a gray area.
Since one has no direct insight, these could be viewed reluctantly in theory.
However, these are tolerated in most supermarkets.
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Suspicion of theft: Can the supermarket search private bags?
If theft is suspected, a store detective may ask to check your bags.
The supermarket is not allowed to search their private bags without consent.
If this does not happen, the police must be called.
So you're on the safe side with a shopping basket or a bag that offers visibility.
In addition to shopping carts, most supermarkets also offer shopping baskets.
So they are the best option, even if the shopping cart puzzles some Kaufland customers.
It's safest to simply put your purchases in a private bag at the checkout.
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