Residents in Hornchurch have taken to social media to warn supermarket customers about the rise of trolley takers.
The practise involves homeless people asking supermarket customers if they can return their trolleys to collect coins, with increases across the country linked to fewer people than ever carrying cash.
Customers at the Hornchurch brand of Tesco are among those to have expressed their concerns over being approached for their trolleys after dark.
Sally*, from Upminster, said: “It was back in February, and it was late, very dark out.
“I got the fright of my life when I saw this man standing behind me.
“I was putting my shopping into the car and there was no one else around.
“He took the trolley – to be honest I was scared of what would happen if I didn’t let him.”
Sally claimed homeless people are known to spend time outside the shop entrance.
Tesco were approached for comment.
Similar reports have been shared on social media about incidents of trolley taking at the Sainsbury’s carpark in Hornchurch.
Nicholas Morgan, who has worked for the branch since 1999, said: “There are people who hang out around the shop during the day.
“They’re harmless, though – in my experience, at least.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re not aware of anything of this nature being shared with us.”
The decline in cash is widespread, but there are few groups in society more affected than people experiencing homelessness.
While roughly 80% of homeless people are in emergency accommodation, about one in five are living on the streets and often relying on public donations.
Stats released by LINK last month, show cash was used for 60% of all transactions in 2008 but that number has dwindled to just 12%.
There has also been a 25% drop in cash usage over the last four years alone.
Homeless organisations are actively trying to embrace cashless Britain, but it’s an uphill battle.
Vendors for The Big Issue have introduced card machines and NFC access so people can pay with their phones, but it’s thought rough sleepers are down by hundreds of pounds a year despite these measures.
Accessing supermarket trolleys is one of the few places where customers still need coins, and Sally said her experience reminded her how desperate some people living in her community are.
Homeless charity Shelter were approached for comment.
A Havering Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of recent concerns and are working hard with businesses and organisations to ensure Havering residents are safe, as well as providing support and resources to homeless individuals, aiming to address the root cause of homelessness.”
*Sally is a pseudonym used for the purposes of this article
Feature image: Trolleys at Sainsbury’s in Hornchurch, Essex (Credit: Bridget O’Sullivan)
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