ALDI shoppers were in disbelief when they found security tags on £1.15 chocolate bars amid desperate measures to stop shoplifting.
The discount supermarket chain has resorted to protecting Mars and Snickers bars as the soaring cost of living crisis has seen a spike in theft.
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Shocked customers at a branch in Wallsend, North Tyneside, were amazed to find the relatively affordable items labelled with security stickers.
An eagle-eyed Aldi fan said: “I was horrified to see the security stickers.
“It made me think twice about buying the confectionery.
“I wouldn’t have wanted the alarms to be sounded as I was walking out of the shop with an arm full of chocolate.
“I think it’s ridiculous that the can put tags on products that cost so little.”
Packs of five Twirl bars were on the shelves for just £1.15, while Revels cost £1.50.
Meanwhile Mars and Snickers multi-packs were also slapped with the shoplifting prevention stickers despite being less than £2.
The new measures follow a string of shoplifting across the nation has left industry giants increasing their security.
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It comes as hundreds have turned to pinching essentials in recent months to feed their families as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
Co-op shoppers were also stunned when they discovered a new chocolate policy in certain stores.
The tasty supermarket treats, all retailing for £2 or under, are now being locked away on the shelves.
Other shocking items included Heinz Ketchup, which is now being stocked on the shelves half empty.
They have notes attached that read: “Display only.”
And, Home Bargains has similarly joined the bid to crack down on theft.
The chain is now offering £500 rewards to customers who can help catch people trying to smuggle items out of their stores.
The discount retailer, with 580 UK stores nationwide, urged bargain hunters to use the budget chain’s hotline – where intel can be shared anonymously.
Plus, industry giants including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots, John Lewis and Waitrose are now issuing staff with bodycams.
Additionally, Waitrose and John Lewis have offered police officers free coffee in the hope that their presence will deter shoplifters with a plan.
It comes as Police recorded 339,206 shoplifting incidents in the 12 months to March, yet the British Retail Consortium estimates the total number of retail thefts to be close to eight million.
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Meanwhile, just 48,218 shoplifting cases recorded by the police, a tiny fraction of 14 per cent, resulted in a charge.
Aldi has been contacted for comment.
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