Expat calls for boycott

FURIOUS EXPAT David Walker is launching a campaign against supermarket Lidl after falling victim to sneak thieves in his local store.

Shopping at Lidl in Gran Alacant last month, David was relieved of his wallet, bank cards, and 150€ in cash.
And now he is calling for people to boycott the supermarket until security is improved on the Lidlshopfloor and in its car parks.
Over the years RTN has been told of a host of such distraction crimes at the supermarket – David believes thieves know security is lacking and there are no CCTV recordings.
“I was in Lidl at 11.50am on 12th August. It was very busy and I got bumped a couple of times but didn’t think anything of it,” he said. “I got to the check-out and that was it, no wallet.

SECURITY
“It was quite embarrassing because I worked in security for 30 years. I immediately spoke to the manager but he didn’t want to know.
“But I know at least 15 people who have fallen foul of thieves at Lidl in the recent past.”

David said he decided not to waste time arguing but went and cancelled his bank cards before going to the Guardia Civil at Santa Pola to make a complaint.
“By the time I got there my wallet was at the police station – minus the cards and cash,” he said. “I could not fault the police, they were absolutely fantastic.”
The same evening a holidaymaker came into the Phoenix Bar where David works and complained thieves had stolen 300€, bank cards and passports from her handbag while she shopped at Lidl.

EVIDENCE
“I have spoken with Lidl’s head office in Spain and they claim there is no duty of care for customers or staff – I tried to argue it was in their interest to improve security. If they were robbed there would be CCTV evidence rather than one word against another,” said David.
“I think these thieves target Lidl because they know it is one of the few supermarkets that doesnot have CCTV – even though they sell the equipment.”
“They must clamp down on these Romanian thieves, they are professionals, and it is their job!”

David wants people to be aware of the risk of sneak thieves and hopes people will support his campaign.
“The problem is everyone is governed by their budget but is shopping at Lidl value for money if you are losing 100€ or 150€. What annoys me is the complacency of the company itself.”