Woman accused of stealing fuel TWICE demands answers from supermarket giant

Susan Ford, who lives in Batley, claims she was left embarrassed and made to feel like a criminal by supermarket staff at Asda, in Morley, after attendants twice confronted her about stealing fuel.

The saga has dragged on for almost a year and Asda has now lifted her ban, which also applied to the supermarket itself, and promised her a bunch of flowers in compensation – which she must collect herself.

After filling her car up with £20.01 of fuel and paying for it at Asda Morley on July 6 last year, Susan claims that on her next visit staff alleged she had “done a runner” but then recognised the error and served her before she returned on June 8 this year when a worker shouted across the forecourt that she was “banned”.

An Asda spokeswoman said the firm can’t explain the July 6 error due to a change in staff but has apologised.

The 55-year-old has since contacted store bosses and shown them bank statements to prove the payment but feels she deserves an explanation, and won’t be collecting the flowers.

“I was just utterly appalled. They seemed so blasé about it and I’ve been accused twice of being a thief and they had nothing to back it up. No apology or nothing,” she said.

“And for them to then offer me a bunch of flowers and I’ve got to go and pick them up – it will probably cost me more in fuel to get there.”

Susan, who has vowed never to shop at Asda again, lodged a complaint after she was confronted by staff for the second time earlier this month, but feels she has still to be given answers as to why the error occurred.

Having managed Barker’s Curtain Corner, in Morley Market, for 17 years, she believes she could teach the supermarket giant a thing or two about customer service as her customer comment book back can testify.

She added: “It’s something they could learn from.”

An Asda spokeswoman said Ms Ford’s details have now been removed from its registration-plate recognition system, which is managed by a third party.

She said: “We have spoken with Ms Ford directly to apologise and have offered a gesture of goodwill to say sorry for any upset caused.”