When it comes to theft, most supermarkets and discounters would probably complain that the products on sale have not been paid for; At Edeka Würzburg the problem lies entirely elsewhere.

There are also robberies at the supermarket branch, but the object of desire is obviously something completely different for the customers. The conditions in the Edeka branch are catastrophic, to which store manager Stefan Popp is now reacting accordingly.

Edeka manager sad: “Only 20 shopping baskets left”

When the grocery store opened in 2013, customers had access to a total of 60 self-service carts and 1,000 shopping baskets.

Today, some ten years later, Popp comes to a sad conclusion. The inventory has decreased considerably: “There are currently only 20 shopping baskets left,” said Stefan Popp in an interview with “inFranken”.

The store manager doesn't understand and now resorts to harsher measures: “It's over. […] We will no longer order shopping baskets.” Customers will be informed of this radical measure through a notice.

In just one year, 60 Edeka self-service carts disappear

From now on, customers will have to be content with 20 shopping baskets. For a long time, none of the 60 self-service carts were left: “In just a year they were gone,” says store manager Popp.

The store manager cannot explain where the baskets went: “I understand that you take the basket to the car for a moment and then maybe take it with you. But so far I haven't seen anyone bring a shopping basket,” said the store manager. He wondered, “What do people do with baskets?”

At first, Popp tried to prevent the massive theft with a clever idea: he put the baskets on sale for a purchase price of six euros, but no one was interested. Since anti-theft protection for baskets is too expensive, the consequences are very harsh.

Popp said his colleagues at surrounding branches were also reporting similar problems. However, he could not confirm that thefts have increased recently.

By Eva Gneisinger