CO-OP shoppers were stunned when they discovered a new chocolate policy in certain stores – are you affected?
The tasty supermarket treats, all retailing for £2 or under, are now being locked away on the shelves.
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The rise in supermarket thefts amid a crippling cost of living crisis has seen many items security tagged or being advertised as “display only”.
But now, for the first time, chocolate is unable to purchase easily at the Blackhorse Lane Co-op branch in Walthamstow, London.
A shop employee said it was a necessary measure, he told the MailOnline: “We have had to do it because of shoplifters.
“Things like coffee, even chocolate was being stolen so much so that’s why we have done this.
“Now if you want to buy something in a box you have to bring it up to us and we can get it for you.”
Other shocking items included Heinz Ketchup, now being stocked on the shelves half empty.
They have notes attached that read: “Display only.”
Honey, coffee, dishwasher detergent and allergy medications have also all been locked away.
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And, essential toiletries such as sun cream, at a Co-op in Manor House, north London, are also being packaged in security boxes.
Moisturisers and other hygiene products were protected from shoplifters with cases and thick GPS tagged bags.
A spokesman for Co-op said: “Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shop workers so, whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures will be made, if a store is experiencing a particular issue.”
This comes as hundreds have turned to pinching essentials in recent months to feed their families as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
One store boss told trade magazine The Grocer: “With the cost of living, people are having to start making choices.”
Food poverty expert and Ulster University lecturer Dr Sinéad Furey said: “The return of ‘stealing to eat’ instead of being able to afford to eat is proof we need policy solutions so resorting to crime does not become a mainstream means of securing basic essentials.”
Meanwhile, staff at the UK Addiction Treatment Group have seen an “astronomical” rise in people seeking help with shoplifting addiction.
The rehab and recovery centre has averaged around 30 calls a week this year compared to just ten a month in 2022.
And, The British Retail Consortium said cases of shoplifting are rocketing.
There were 7.9million last year — 5million up on 2016/17.
This means the cost to retailers in the period has gone from £503million to £953million.
Many supermarket giants are now seeking further security measures.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, Director at the Centre for Retail Research, claimed the superstores want to bring in facial recognition CCTV so they can quickly find problem shoppers.
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