A couple in Uppsala faces charges for filling shopping carts at Ikea but paying only for small items on seven occasions. They are suspected of stealing goods worth over 41,000 kronor by not scanning everything at self-checkouts. The man confesses to the crimes, while the woman denies the allegations.
Suspicions against the couple in Uppsala municipality arose last spring when an employee at the self-checkout counters at Ikea in Boländerna assisted them after the gates failed to open. The receipt total was low despite a full shopping cart, and the couple refused to show it. The man backed the cart out and left the store via another exit, while the woman exited through the gate. Staff alerted the security department, which reviewed the couple's purchase history using CCTV and receipts. They identified multiple theft incidents, and an employee spotted suspected stolen items like outdoor furniture and a grill at the couple's home.
The couple is charged with seven counts of theft and one count of attempted theft, with values ranging from 1,745 to 9,380 kronor per incident. Ikea's security chief describes them as unscrupulous and notes they had children with them during several thefts.
The suspected thefts occurred between March 22 and April 9, 2024:
- March 22: The man pays 179 kronor for a sheet but takes goods worth 6,995 kronor. Later that day, they pay 149 kronor for an artificial plant but take goods worth 6,195 kronor.
- March 23: The man pays 29 kronor for a blanket, the woman takes goods worth 7,200 kronor.
- March 24: The woman pays 29 kronor for a scented candle, the man takes goods worth 9,380 kronor.
- March 28: The woman pays 118 kronor for a pot holder and sheet, the man takes goods worth 1,745 kronor including decking.
- March 31: The woman pays 169 kronor for a box, the man takes goods worth 3,943 kronor.
- April 8: The woman pays 119 kronor for a salad spinner, the man takes goods worth 5,983 kronor.
- April 9: Attempted theft of goods worth 7,538 kronor.
In interrogation, the man confesses after viewing surveillance footage: 'It's so embarrassing, I'm ashamed.' The woman denies the charges, stating: 'I don't need to check everything he does.' Ikea is seeking damages of over 50,000 kronor, including 41,000 kronor for the stolen goods and time spent on the investigation.