I visited the new Lidl in Witham Essex today. I emptied my small trolley and moved level with the assistant. She asked if I’d got anything else in my trolley. I looked at her quizzically as I didn’t understand what she meant. It then ‘clicked’ - she was asking if I’d got anything left in my trolley which I was hiding under my carrier bags (I actually didn’t put the bags in the trolley until it was empty!) I told the young lady that I was insulted to be accused of stealing. She was very apologetic and said she had to do it ! I felt embarrassed and humiliated. I asked to speak to a manager. He told me that some people were walking out of the shop without paying for items - I responded by telling him that I didn’t steal, and it was disgraceful! I don’t know of any other supermarket which carries out this humiliating practice. Suffice it to say, I will never visit Lidl again! Having spoken to family, friends and work colleagues about the incident, they too will not be visiting Lidl!