One shopper in the UK was left baffled after discovering a packet of £14 washing capsules had been wrapped in what appeared to be a security net aimed to deter shoplifters
Shoppers have been left bewildered after coming across cleaning products wrapped in nets. It is believed Morrisons is using the security devices to deter thieves.
It comes after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found shoplifting offences jumped by a whopping 23 per cent to 492,914 offences last year compared to the previous year – the highest number since current police recording practices began. Taking to Instagram, one user posted a photo of what appears to be a ‘Mega Pack’ of Bold All-In-1 Spring Awakening Washing Capsules – which cost £14 – wrapped in a fishing net-style device.
“Shoplifters will be prosecuted,” reads a sign under the tagged items. The Mirror contacted Morrisons to ask whether the devices are being deployed across all stores, as well as which items it’s chosen to protect from shoplifters. The supermarket did not wish to provide a response.
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Similar sights were recently spotted in a Tesco store in London, which had implemented plastic shields that could slide to the left or right across the chocolate aisle. The supermarket confirmed these devices had been placed in a select number of stores as part of a trial, but didn’t confirm how long the trial would last.
Taking to social media, swathes of shoppers slammed the devices – arguing they’re enough to put off paying customers. On X (formerly Twitter) one person branded the contraption ’embarrassing’, adding: “What’s stopping someone from simply prying the damn things open and taking what they want?” Another scathed: “As a customer, how am I supposed to buy stuff in this store?”
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As previously reported, many shoppers believe the devices are aimed to reduce the risk of ‘smash-and grabs’. This is where criminals will enter a store and swiftly sweep the shelves before running away.
“The entire purpose is the make it far more inconvenient,” one user suggested. “It won’t stop theft, but it will make it harder for someone to take as much as they did before,” while a second added: “This type of anti-theft device seems to deter flash mob robberies. Correct me if I’m wrong [but they’re] more of a hindrance to a paying customer.” Tesco did not wish to provide further comment when contacted by the Mirror.
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