Sincan Municipality investigates supermarket for taping customer bags

Sincan Municipality has launched administrative and legal proceedings against a chain supermarket in the Sincan district of Ankara for its controversial security measures. Following numerous complaints, authorities discovered that the store was taping customers' bags and pouches under the pretext of preventing theft and forcing shoppers to leave personal belongings in small lockers provided on-site.

Ismail Can Ocak, General Coordinator of Sincan Municipality, condemned the practice, stating that fighting theft should not involve treating citizens as ‘potential suspects.’ He emphasized that no business, regardless of its size or brand, is permitted to implement security measures that disregard the dignity and personal rights of citizens.

Records indicate this specific supermarket has a history of regulatory issues, having been sealed for one day a month ago after being caught selling products without proper price labeling on four separate occasions within a year. The municipal police force has begun field inspections to enforce all necessary administrative and criminal sanctions.