they checked bags on the way out so you couldn't take any!

I think that employees here are also not really allowed to take it but sometimes they can get away with it.

One night they put padlocks on, we came back the next night with bolt cutters only to find that some other skip divers had beaten us to it!

This seems to be quite an adventure! And I can imagine how it used to look like after Halloween with the pumpkin overload.

I know there are some charities which collect it and cook it to feed those in need

This is such a great iniciative! Collaboration between charities and supermarkets would be so beneficial for everyone really.

Thank you for sharing your experience, it was good to hear from someone who has been on both sides of this!