Many supermarkets use security tags on
high-value items like alcohol, video games, meat, and batteries. However, it is
rare to see them on everyday products, such as milk or cookies.
Britain’s biggest supermarket Tesco and other
chains are putting security tags on blocks of cheese and butter that cost less
than $5 to dissuade shoplifting
amid the cost-of-living crisis and growing inflation.
A Tesco spokesperson said “We
are placing tags on many products to prevent shoplifting. Many products have
been stolen recently”
"Tags are effective
because they're a deterrent," retail consultant Steve Dresser tweeted.
One store manager told UK
industry publication The Grocer “Today shoplifters are targeting low-price, everyday items. Last
week an elderly customer tried to steal shampoo and toothpaste”.
"Shoplifting is
typical in times of austerity or economic downturn," Sinéad Furey, a
senior lecturer at Ulster University stated.
The price of food and
non-alcoholic beverages in the UK rose by 8.7% in the year to May 2022,
according to the Office for National Statistics — and increased by 1.5% between April
and May alone.
Photo Credits: Grace Dean/Insider and Tam Herrington
From Business Insider (edited)
