Computer glitch at NZ supermarket leads to free-for-all

Sydney, Apr 25 (ANI): About 24 shoppers helped themselves to free groceries on Good Friday morning after a computer glitch at a New Zealand supermarket incorrectly opened the doors at 8am without a checkout person in sight.

About half paid for their groceries at Hamilton's Mill St Pak 'n Save in New Zealand using the self-scan service, but that stopped working when someone scanned alcohol, which requires a staff member to check a customer's age before the system is unlocked.

Police were alerted at 9.20am by a report of people leaving with "truckloads of groceries".

Supermarket owner Glenn Miller, who was initially furious over the incident, however, is not intending to take legal action to pursue those who had not paid.

"I can certainly see the funny side of it ... but I'd rather not have the publicity, to be honest. It makes me look a bit of a dickhead," he said.

Miller said the security footage showed shoppers were not aware that there was no staff in the supermarket.

"They weren't in for a free-for-all. They were doing their normal shopping and then got to the checkout. Half of them paid and the other half thought, 'this is a good deal' and walked out," he said.

"The story has been in the papers ... and on TV, so hopefully that will make some people feel guilty and they will cough up," he added.

All cash handed over would go to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, Miller said, though no repentant customers had come forward. (ANI)