Self-service stores are popular, but often targeted by brazen thieves. Recently, a couple in Scharten, Upper Austria, stole homemade items worth about 700 euros. A surveillance camera did not deter thieves.
“It was my lifelong dream,” says Michaela Doms, referring to her self-service hut “Midos Welt” in Scharten. The 40-year-old enjoys sewing in her spare time and has been offering her work on six square meters since March 24. The small store was robbed by thieves on Monday.
The coup lasts only five minutes
“The couple was only inside for five minutes, took one of my homemade bags and packed it – including pillows, hoods and crocheted rugs, a total of 712.50 euros worth of goods,” said Doms. The thieves were not deterred by the surveillance camera and have not yet responded to Facebook’s call to report.
Operator disappointed
“Now I have filed a complaint,” says the mother of four angrily. Material damage is accompanied by anger and disappointment. “There is so much passion in my work. I started crocheting in 2021 when my daughter had cancer and I spent a lot of time with her in the hospital.”
Cameras are not a deterrent
In Neuzeug, about 40 kilometers away, Gusto store owner Nadine Staudinger (26) is already an ‘expert’ when it comes to theft. The last time their self-service hut was targeted by thieves was in April, again despite cameras. “We offer products from local farmers. You have to ‘scan’ your debit card upon entry, but it still gets stolen again and again.”
Depending on directions
“Often it’s just small things, lately it’s been snack sausages and a kilo of bread,” says Staudinger. She sometimes posts photos from the surveillance camera on Facebook and hopes for tips from the public, which she then responds to.
Thieves face crime
“I go to people and confront them about it. If you pay, I won’t advertise,” says the 26-year-old. What does she want to say to the thieves? “It hurts and is disappointing. You build something and someone tramples it.”
“Honesty is the best”. The saying from the 18th century still applies to most of us. Therefore, self-service huts are a good thing for the majority of the population, because regional products are offered at fair prices. The fair prices are due in no small part to the fact that there are no staff in the stores to ensure that the selected goods are paid for.
Unfortunately, a few people don’t take honesty very seriously, which everyone has to pay for. A number of self-service stores have already closed again, have drastically reduced their opening hours or have installed surveillance cameras. Anyone who risks being sued over a pack of sausages is not only dishonest, but stupid.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
