There was a strong reaction from shoppers when they learned customers at Aldi at Thamesdown Drive were being asked to present their carrier bags for inspection.

The chain said the measure was introduced to combat a recent rise in shoplifting and was being done with customers' permission.

Some were indignant but others took a more sympathetic view....

Kat Corcoran: "I feel for the staff, they've been asked to implement something new and get grief for it. Wouldn't it be easier to put a notice up explaining the change before getting to the till?"

Julie Mckinlay: "Happened to me yesterday when i nipped in for dog treats that I forgot Saturday in my weekly shop at Tesco, I was behind two other customers and girl said can you put your bag on the belt... no explanation! It was embarrassing, a sign to explain to customers this will happen would be a good idea Aldi!"

Hayley Rivers: "If you have nothing to hide why care? I didn't get asked as my bags were displayed clearly showing they were empty....my mum got asked but they have to do their job I guess, people walk around Asda all the time getting away with it."

Kerry Louise: "For the first 10 seconds I wondered if he thought I was hiding something. But as he continued to gently explain the new policy. The reasons why. And being apologetic I felt sorry for him implementing the new policy that Aldi UK should put notice up so the staff don’t get their heads bitten off. I totally understood it but also know why the theft of supermarket food has increased. Just like the price of food increase people are struggling. It don’t make it right but it’s a tough world right now."

Susie Morton: "I was asked to open my shopping bag the other week at Aldi to just check it's empty. I was like oh yeah that's fine but it does make you think they are accusing you. Nothing to hide so happily let them look in my bag."

Linda Elks: "I don’t see what’s wrong with it but they should have put something out side the shop on the doors so you have a choice whether to shop there or not ,not when you get to the till."

Tammi Cleverly: "Why should it be a problem if you’ve got nothing to hide?"

Jan Andersen-Page: "And this is because they can’t afford a security guard - seriously? Whatever next, X-ray machines at the tills?

"If you don’t like it then vote with your feet - even if you have nothing to hide! Plenty of other supermarkets thankfully."

Viki Drumm: "If you're not stealing and have nothing to hide then I don't understand what the problem is. Just show them the bag is empty. Weird that people have a problem with this. Your not the only person it's done to."

Irena French: "When multimillion profit maker’s excuse is: 'we cannot afford a security guard' for inconveniencing the people who help them to make those profits, there is clearly something fundamentally wrong with the situation."

Dave Shaw: "It's policy to stop shoplifters taking goods without paying for them. Theft is on the increase.It keeps the prices down. A leg of lamb is worth a bit down the pub. Let them do their job. It's difficult enough as it is."

James Murphy: "Don't blame the shop blame the shoplifter."

Emily Rose: "It’s even more degrading and embarrassing having to watch a company fall through and close their stores for not taking preventative measures that leave a lasting negative impact on them.

"There won't be an Aldi left if there's nothing deterring people from stealing, which let's be honest has likely exploded since the cost of living has gone up.

"You either shop somewhere cheap and have your bags looked at or bugger off to M&S where you can pay double the amount on literally every item and have your bags and dignity left alone

Sarah Chandler: "When they started this I was in the shop and a lady was having a go at the manager and I heard him say a huge amount of food/item is stolen every week and I felt sorry for him, but he was very nice when explaining and explained extremely well!

"I had to agree with him saying if this stops the thefts then the food will not go up anymore and I have to agree, happy for them to have a ‘quick peek’ and that’s all it is honestly. It’s not a full rummage like at airports."