Self-checkouts are popping up at more and more stores around the Netherlands nowadays — but is that a good idea from a business perspective?
As a survey by RTL Nieuws suggests, it might not be.
Why? Well, because about 1 in 14 people (7%) regularly steal while using self-checkouts at supermarkets, drugstores, or department stores. Oops. 👀
Those numbers are even higher for young people aged between 18 and 35, with 11% of respondents admitting to regularly snagging an item or two at the self-checkouts.
But why?
From swiping an expensive piece of parmesan to purposely scanning a cheaper product, the reasons for some Dutchies’ kleptomaniac tendencies vary.
Of those surveyed by RTL Nieuws, 42% of people say they steal to save money, while another 40% say they do it out of protest.
Between inflation and tight budgets, they believe supermarkets make too high of a profit on our essential needs — so, really, it’s the supermarkets that steal from the customers. 🤷♀️
you know who cares about people stealing from self-checkout? no one. no does. there's people that are dying, kimberly
— i can't believe matpat is retiring (@zacharymahabir) January 25, 2024
“I love smoked salmon, but it’s just no longer affordable,” one of the thieves tells RTL Nieuws. “[Stealing] is a simple way to save €4 to €5”.
And what about random checks? They still happen, but they don’t do much to curb thieves’ enthusiasm. Most people just invent an excuse and face no consequences for their attempted theft.
Millions in theft damage
The victim of choice for most thieves? The good ol’ supermarket.
In fact, 97% of stealing happens at Dutch supermarkets, followed by 9% at department stores like HEMA and Action and 5% at drugstores.
And stores are feeling the repercussions.
Last year alone, for example, Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo reported a whopping €100 million in stolen goods. 😳
READ MORE | Best supermarkets in the Netherlands: the international’s guide
Especially since 2023, the number of reports has vastly increased, as Jumbo, Dirk, PLUS, and the politie agree.
But despite all that, the handy-dandy self-checkouts are here to stay — as not just customers but stores love them.
“It’s more effective and faster, including for supermarkets themselves,” a Dutch Central Bureau of Food Trade spokesperson tells RTL Nieuws.
How do you feel about people stealing from supermarkets? Tell us in the comments below!
It really sickens me that this is what has become of society. I have two teenage kids who would never, ever do this. Nor would anyone else in my family. Are we really the exception? It makes me sad to think so!
No – I’m not Dutch but married Dutch with two children born and raised here. We don’t do that sort of thing. Stealing is wrong either way. My husband wouldn’t do it either because he was raised that it’s wrong. We live in the south so I’m not sure if it’s a big city thing or cultural difference or what but my family do not steal. We compromise on cut backs. Yes things are expensive but theft is out of the question.
Excuse me but losing 100 million is a good thing. Ludicrous take out self scan give their checkout employees a raise. I’m willing to bet that it would not cost Jumbo a 100 million.Put your money to good use and employ real people not machines.