UK Supermarkets Lock £2 Chocolate Bars in Security Boxes Due to Rising Theft

Cheap chocolate bars, like a £2 Cadbury Dairy Milk, are now locked in security boxes in UK supermarkets. This is happening because shoplifting has gone up a lot.
By Newsroom | Retail, Crime |

Hook

Stores across the United Kingdom are resorting to locking low-cost chocolate bars in plastic security boxes, a move driven by an increase in shoplifting. Retailers and police forces report that certain chocolate items are being stolen "to order," suggesting organized theft. This measure, previously seen for more expensive items, now extends to everyday sweets, highlighting a growing problem impacting both businesses and consumers.

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Context

The trend of securing chocolate bars in anti-theft devices has become noticeable in recent months. Several police forces have publicly shared CCTV footage depicting thefts of significant quantities of chocolate, including instances of individuals taking entire trays or shelving units. This action by law enforcement aims to draw attention to the escalating issue of retail theft. Retail associations and individual stores are expressing concern, with some noting that even £1.25 chocolate bars are now being placed in locked containers. This practice is reportedly occurring in various supermarket chains, including Tesco and Co-op Food.

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Evidence of Rising Theft

  • Police Footage: West Midlands Police released CCTV footage showing a man taking multiple trays of chocolate. Wiltshire Police shared a similar video of a man removing a whole shelving stand of chocolate. These incidents, highlighted by police forces, underscore the severity of the thefts.

  • Retailer Actions: Stores like Tesco and Co-op Food have been observed using locked plastic boxes for chocolate bars, some priced at just £2.00. This practice is noted in locations across London, Cambridge, and other parts of the UK.

  • Item Range: The security measures are not limited to high-end chocolate. Items like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Galaxy, and Milkybars, as well as Cadbury's fruit and nut bars, have been found in these boxes. Other items, such as dishwater tablets, fabric softeners, and ketchup bottles, have also been secured, indicating a broader trend of retail crime affecting various product categories.

Motivations and Scope of the Problem

Theft "To Order" and Organized Crime

West Midlands Police and Wiltshire Police have pointed to instances of thieves targeting chocolate specifically, with some reports suggesting these items are being stolen "to order."

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"We have seen a trend of chocolate being targeted." - Individual Police Forces (as reported by BBC)

The act of stealing entire trays or shelving units implies a level of planning beyond impulsive shoplifting.

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Impact of Cost of Living

Some sources connect the rise in shoplifting to the escalating cost of living. This economic pressure may be compelling individuals to steal essential items and, potentially, more sought-after goods like popular chocolate brands.

"The escalating cost of living has fueled a dramatic surge in shoplifting, forcing supermarkets to implement increasingly stringent security measures." - Lab.umva.net

Broader Retail Crime

The issue extends beyond chocolate. Reports mention the securing of Lindt chocolate, packs of ham, cheese, and baby formula. This indicates that retail crime is affecting a wide array of products, not just confectionery.

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"Shoplifting is so out-of-control that the cost of loss in the past year is two billion pounds." - Ex-British Transport Police Officer (as reported by Need To Know)

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for greater police assistance and tougher penalties for offenders, suggesting that current measures are insufficient.

Security Measures and Retailer Responses

Implementation of Anti-Theft Boxes

  • Several major UK supermarket chains, including Tesco and Co-op Food, are using clear plastic security boxes for chocolate bars and other items.

  • These boxes often require staff assistance to open, indicated by stickers saying "Ask the staff."

  • Some reports mention security tags being placed on shopping baskets themselves, suggesting an extreme response to repeated theft.

Retailer Explanations

A spokesperson for Co-op stated that these measures are implemented to ensure the safety of their employees. The risk of confrontation or abuse associated with shoplifting is a significant concern for retail workers.

"Retail crime affects all retailers, and shoplifting is all too often a flashpoint for abuse, attacks and anti-social behaviour towards shopworkers when they are working hard to serve their communities." - Co-op (as reported by GetSurrey)

Expert Analysis and Public Reaction

  • An ex-British Transport Police officer expressed alarm at the scale of shoplifting, predicting a further rise in losses.

  • Members of the public have shared varied reactions, with some expressing frustration and others making sarcastic remarks about the selective application of security measures.

  • One shopper noted that securing £1.25 chocolate bars felt excessive, while another questioned why items like fruit and vegetables were not similarly protected.

Conclusion

The increasing use of anti-theft boxes for items like chocolate bars signifies a marked rise in retail crime across the UK. This trend appears to be driven by a combination of factors, including the cost of living crisis and, in some cases, organized theft. Retailers are adopting these measures to protect their stock and, crucially, their staff from the impact of shoplifting. While these steps address immediate security concerns, they also reflect a broader societal and economic challenge that requires further attention from both law enforcement and policymakers to prevent a continued escalation of retail losses and associated impacts on communities.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are UK supermarkets putting chocolate bars in security boxes?
Supermarkets are locking chocolate bars in security boxes because shoplifting has increased a lot. Police say some chocolate is even stolen to order by organized groups.
Q: Which chocolate bars are being put in security boxes in the UK?
Even cheap chocolate bars, like Cadbury Dairy Milk and Galaxy costing around £1.25 to £2.00, are being put in security boxes. Other items like ketchup and dish soap are also secured.
Q: What is causing the rise in shoplifting in the UK?
Experts believe the rising cost of living is making people steal more. Some thefts are also thought to be organized, with thieves stealing specific items like chocolate to sell.
Q: What are supermarkets like Tesco and Co-op doing about shoplifting?
Stores like Tesco and Co-op are using clear plastic security boxes that need staff to unlock. This is to protect their products and also to keep their staff safe from angry customers.
Q: How much is shoplifting costing UK businesses?
An ex-police officer said that shoplifting is costing businesses about £2 billion each year. This is why stores are using more security measures for many different products.