Tesco Shoppers Alarmed as Popular Product Locked Away in Cabinet
In a bid to combat rising shoplifting offences across England and Wales, Tesco has implemented new security measures, leaving their customers shocked. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there has been a significant surge of 23% in theft cases, surpassing 490,000 incidents from September 2023 to September 2024.
The escalation of theft has prompted supermarkets to take action, with items such as packed meat and cheese being among the most frequently stolen products, as highlighted by Region Security Guarding. Tesco’s latest security tactic, revealed through a TikTok video, showcases see-through locked cabinets for alcohol, triggering mixed reactions on social media.
The video displayed a touch screen on the cabinet with a message stating, “Hello. The cabinet is locked for security reasons. Please tap the arrow below for access.” Subsequently, customers are informed that their request is being processed, with an automated voice assuring them, “Thank you for your patience, the cabinet door will open shortly. Thank you for shopping with Tesco.”
While some customers have expressed concerns on TikTok about the effectiveness of these security measures, others have praised the initiative. One shopper highlighted the presence of a camera above the cabinet, utilising facial recognition software to deter theft. Another customer commended the system for recognizing individuals with a history of shoplifting from accessing the cabinet.
Similar security measures seem to have been adopted by Morrisons, prompting observations from patrons regarding the wait time for accessing locked cabinets. Despite positive feedback, challenges have emerged, with reports suggesting that some cabinets at Morrisons remained unlocked due to insufficient staff availability.
Tesco confirmed that they are rolling out secured cabinets for spirits and sparkling wines in larger stores to address the issue of theft. CEO Ken Murphy emphasised the company’s significant investment in crime prevention measures, including equipping staff with body-worn cameras, installing protective screens, and implementing door entry systems at store entrances.
Furthermore, Tesco’s hub team in Daventry, Northamptonshire, operates round-the-clock to review CCTV footage and collaborate with law enforcement to tackle theft effectively. While these security measures aim to safeguard products and deter shoplifters, the effectiveness of such strategies remains a topic of discussion among customers and industry experts.
As supermarkets continue to grapple with increasing theft incidents, the implementation of innovative security solutions such as locked cabinets signals a concerted effort to protect merchandise and ensure a secure shopping environment for consumers. While the reception to these measures varies, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in addressing criminal activities and safeguarding their businesses.