Tesco 'install new anti-shoplifting devices' on shelves- but customers confused how they work
The clear plastic covers can be seen positioned in front of a shelf of chocolate products.. In the video, customers are able to freely slide them left and right to uncover the products underneath.
The covers make a loud screeching noise when moved. It would seem that they would make it harder to access the items quickly, although Tesco has not yet confirmed how the new covers are meant to work. It is also not yet clear if the new contraptions have been rolled out in all stories or just a certain selection of them.
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Tescos New Security Devices, what do you think? ( kirkpap1 ) pic.twitter.com/TiYIwSghvp
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) March 14, 2025
The video posted to X has been causing quite a commotion - amassing 1.3k comments and 6.3k likes in about a day-and-a-half. One commenter posted: "So how can you actually get the item? They do not have enough staff to be getting these items for people." Another pointed out: "What's stopping someone from simply prying the damn things open and taking what they want?"
However, another user had one potential theory behind the new plastic covers. They posted: "They take your fingerprints if you steal and build a case to which they don't have to chase you across the parking lot thus avoiding public videos and backlash on the shopping establishment"
Another theory suggested that the loud noise the covers make when slid was meant to attract staff members. Perhaps the most likely theory posted was that they had been installed to slow thieves down and deter "flash mob robberies."
Shoplifting offences in London have soared by 50 per cent according to the latest figures. The Met Police documented 78,512 cases of shoplifting in the year leading up to September - a significant rise from 52,478 offences recorded the previous year.
Across England and Wales, police forces reported a total of 493,000 offences in this same period - a 23 per cent increase from the 402,000 incidents in the prior 12 months. Trade Association British Retail Consortium has described the situation as shoplifting "spiralling out of control", citing their survey that indicates over 2,000 incidents occurring daily, including assaults on staff, threats with weapons, and racial and sexual abuse.
Tesco Stores has not yet commented on the new anti-shoplifting measures.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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