Real life: Meike (38) can’t stop stealing from Albert Heijn
Meike has a good job and a generous inheritance. So doing the grocery shopping is no financial problem at all. Yet she refuses to pay for all her groceries. Because it’s not just the thrill that keeps her from being able to stop stealing from Albert Heijn. ‘They’re a bunch of profiteers, so I take some back.’
Stealing is stealing, surely there’s no way to justify it? Don’t try that argument with Meike. Her reasoning: she steals a little back.
Albert Heijn’s profits are enormous
She keeps a close eye on all of Albert Heijn’s revenue and profit figures. Meike: ‘The coronavirus pandemic was highly profitable for the supermarket chain. The hospitality industry closed, the panic surrounding grocery shopping, the hoarding… Albert Heijn’s online revenue alone amounted to a staggering 7.7 billion euros in 2021! Just think about it—that’s an incredible amount of money. Last year’s profit: more than 450 million euros. And then they go on whining about increased energy costs and more expensive grain because of the war in Ukraine. While ordinary people can barely afford anything anymore. Wherever I can, I take my share, so to speak.’
Something every day
A tremendous amount is stolen from shops, not just from Albert Heijn. She knows that too. Still, Meike only takes groceries from Albert Heijn. Something every day. Because: ‘A day without stealing is a day not lived.’ In a strange way, she feels like she’s giving something back that way. Micro-revenge. And they’re not necessarily expensive things, you know. A box with four eggs, a bag of fresh snow peas, some mature cheese. And never all at the same time. Just one or two things at a time.
Scanning 11 items
It hasn’t exactly become easier, by the way. Previously, the checks at the self-checkout were for three items; now they’re for 11. That makes it an extra thrill not to get caught. Because that thrill—the feeling that she’s ‘getting one over on them’—is part of the stealing.
‘Look, those supermarkets keep whining that they’re dealing with inflation, but we’re dealing with greedflation; they use inflation as an excuse to raise their prices even more, so they can make more profit. Stealing something is my invisible middle finger every time I walk out of the shop. Bunch of profiteers!’
Meike’s name has been changed for privacy reasons. Her real name is known to the editorial team. Do you also have a personal story to share (anonymously!)? You can email us at info@favorflav.com
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