Hailsham residents have cleared the local supermarkets of goods, in a panic-buying spree which has seen staff being abused by customers.
Staff at a number of Hailsham supermarkets have spoken to Hailsham News telling of disgusting displays of aggression and customers buying ‘obscene’ amounts of goods – leaving nothing for the elderly and vulnerable who cannot stockpile.
Photographs sent to Hailsham News show residents have stripped the shops of hand wash, toilet rolls, tissues, dried pasta and rice all in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Various groups have been launched to help the local elderly and vulnerable who have now fallen victim to the panic-buying, and are now relying on volunteers delivering any supplies to them.
A 72 year-old woman (who didn’t want to give her name) told Hailsham News during a visit to the supermarket; “I cannot believe everything has gone. I can’t get to the shops often, and now I have, there’s nothing to buy.”
She added; “It’s very selfish and I wish people would realise others are missing out because of pointless panic-buying”.
There’s a fresh appeal locally for residents to calm down and not stock up on items. Supermarkets are trying to catch up with the demand and staff are working extra hours – please treat them respectfully.
