Kids are shoplifting in our store.
Out of necessity? Forced to? Portrayed as heroes? Just trendy?
I’ve been working at the register for years. I’ve dealt with many different types of people, personalities, situations, and problems.
Lately, there have been a couple of boys, 10–11 years old, who come into our store almost every day. They started by drinking unpaid beverages, then stealing small snacks, then putting 6 items in the Subito but paying for only 1. Then they take the remaining Subito receipts—since they have several—and use them to take the products with them. We, the staff, have spoken to the kids several times. They either deny everything or try to play innocent. The boss says Migros can’t do anything about it. I think we should at least call their parents and let them know. We feel like we’re being taken for a ride… and yet our hands are tied. Is this how it’s going to keep going? We’re busy with everything in our daily work at the store; normally, orders, presentation, restocking, and cleaning up take priority. But I think it’s wrong to tolerate things like this. In principle, it’s unacceptable. You don’t work 12 hours a day just to let kids like this walk in and steal. In principle, we need to make it clear that stealing is forbidden. Surely the parents don’t know what’s going on. Sometimes children come in the evening and eat something hot there, which means their parents aren’t home yet. Teachers don’t know anything either; they only look after the children during school hours. So what’s left? Should we allow everything when they’re out of the house and school? What kind of generation is growing up today if we don’t care? I’ve raised a child myself. As a mother, I’ve had to talk to them several times and make them aware that what they’re doing is totally wrong. I made it clear that they’re being watched, but I still feel hopeless when the situation doesn’t change and disappointed when I hear that Migros can’t do anything. Do we have to wait until something worse happens? Or until the kids become adults and then have Securitas intervene?
No, we and Migros must take action as soon as possible.
What do you think?
Thank you very much
Gita72