SPOOKS probed a tech glitch that shut branches of Greggs yesterday — fearing Putin’s hackers had targeted our pies.
Pastry-loving fans went hungry at breakfast time when a computer outage saw card payments denied, forcing shops to close.
Greggs was the fourth major business to suffer IT problems in a week, triggering internet fears Russian leader Vlad was behind the takedown.
But security officials who keep a constant eye on the activities of rogue states have ruled out foul play.
They said that while it was “odd” the IT glitches had happened close together, there were innocent reasons.
Customers had to pay with cash or order via the app at Greggs stores across the UK, including in Cardiff, London, Manchester and Birmingham.
A sign in a shop in Lichfield, Staffs, read: “Due to IT issues, we are unable to open. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
In the chain’s heartland of Newcastle, Greggs fans said they would “rather starve” than go elsewhere.
Student Keely Hurst, 22, said: “Nothing beats Greggs. There’s a Costa next door, but it’s not the same.”
Daisy Wood, 21, added: “There are always huge queues. This will upset loads of people.”
Social media was flooded with fans reporting their local store was affected — and wags having a laugh.
Dominic Dyer said: “If the Russian hackers have got to Greggs we really are in a crisis.”
Ricky Travis added: “There’ll be a Cobra meeting at No 10 shortly. The PM is expected to declare a State of Emergency.”
Rachel Dailey posted: “Greggs has fallen, they’ve come for the North. LIGHT THE BEACONS.”
Richard Glynn posted a snap of two sausage rolls and said: “I will accept serious offers. No time wasters please.”
The problem came after a string of other retail giants suffered IT glitches in recent days.
Sainsbury’s shoppers could not make contactless payments at the weekend, with thousands of online deliveries also affected.
Tesco had to cancel some online orders due on Saturday. And on Friday, McDonald’s customers were unable to order food.
Greggs, which has 2,450 stores, said the problem was fixed later in the morning and apologised.
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
