Supermarket's 'outrageous' move amid cost-of-living crisis
It's not just Coles and Woolworths rolling out extra security measures, with supermarkets in the UK taking things to extremes.
While the cost-of-living crisis has seen some supermarkets take extra precautions to protect its pricier items from thieves, one store's move to lock up an item less than $3 has raised eyebrows.
The UK supermarket Co-op has put health drinks costing just £1.45 ($2.80) in security boxes to thwart potential thefts. The store's 100ml Ginger and Turmeric own brand shots have been placed in the plastic boxes, as well as mini plastic bottles of Gut Health drinks.
Shoplifting has increased due to the rise in the price of groceries, with Coles and Woolworths in Australia ramping up security measures, while supermarkets overseas have also introduced new tactics to reduce theft.
The latest containers were spotted at one of Co-op's London stores. Co-op has been contacted for further comment on how widespread the measure is. The boxes are tagged and will need to be removed by members of staff at the checkouts before customers can purchase the drinks.
The decision to introduce the boxes had shoppers in disbelief. One shocked shopper called the move "outrageous".
Supermarket staple disappears from shelves leaving shoppers confused
Woolworths worker sacked for pushing shoplifter highlights disturbing trend
Annoyed by Coles or Woolworths? Now’s your chance to do something about it
“Why put them on such low value products? Surely no one will pinch a healthy drink worth less than £1.50,” one person asked.
Latest in long line of supermarket measures
This is just the latest instalment in the current trend of odd items being placed in security boxes in supermarkets.
Cheese, butter and meat have all been spotted in security containers, with the increase in theft across UK stores branded a "crisis" by the British Retail Consortium.
In December, shoppers were shocked to see 25g tubes of Lucas' Papaw ointment, priced at $7.50, locked up in containers in Coles.
Australian supermarkets have admitted to experiencing a surge in shoplifting and are "regularly working with police to reduce shoplifting", Coles said.
- With Jam Press
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
