Three men have been detained on suspicion of an organized theft spree at a Lidl store in the Stockholm area. Two of them worked at the store and exploited their positions to let full shopping carts pass without payment. The prosecutor confirms they are now held in custody for four weeks.
This week, three men were detained in the Stockholm area on suspicion of theft at Lidl. According to reports from Aftonbladet, it involves an insider heist where two of the men worked at the store. One was at the cash register while the other two filled multiple carts with goods and were let out without paying. The method was repeated several times from May this year until December 6.
Prosecutor Simon Karnell confirms the detentions: 'Yes, two are detained on probable cause for gross theft over a period from May this year until December 6. One person is detained for theft and attempted theft on December 6.' The men will remain in custody until January 7 next year, a period of four weeks. Due to investigation secrecy, Karnell cannot comment further on the details.
According to Expressen, which refers to Aftonbladet, two men are suspected of gross theft and the third of theft of normal degree and attempted theft. Lidl declines to comment: 'We have a routine not to comment on matters regarding individual employees and therefore cannot provide further comments,' writes Ingrid Arinell from Lidl's press service in an email.
The events highlight the risks of internal theft in retail, but police have now uncovered the scheme through their investigation.
