Tesco locks £2 items in boxes – with cost of living crisis hitting 'new low'

11 June 2024 , 12:51

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A Tesco superstore has reportedly placed chocolate bars in security boxes to avoid theft (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Supermarket shoppers have cursed a "new low" in the cost of living crisis after a snap of chocolate bars locked away in security boxes circulated online.

Despite costing just £2, a London Tesco superstore appears to have tightened security on Cadbury's Dairy Milk, Nestle's Milky Bar and Galaxy treats. In a post shared by London & UK Street News on X (formerly Twitter), a photo of the confectionary aisle shows chocolate has followed the lead of toilet roll, Lurpak butter and cheese, which have also been the subject of drastic security measures in recent months.

"Chocolate bars locked in security boxes in Tesco superstore in London," the account said in an accompanying caption, before adding that the shot was taken in the retail giant's Newham store.

Hundreds of X users were quick to hit back, with one person cursing: "This is a whole another level of low." Another agreed: "I can’t even comprehend how embarrassing this makes us look to other countries."

A third pondered: "This is wild.. imagine asking staff for a bar of chocolate." While a fourth slammed: "I struggle to believe that this isn’t all just a fever dream and that I’m going to wake up any moment now and the world will be normal."

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Others, however, defended the move, claiming its simply a "sign of the times." One X user asked: "What else can shop owners do? The laws in this country favor shoplifters and encourage shoplifting. The police won't take any action, leaving shop owners with no choice but to resort to measures like these."

And a second claimed: "It’s a reflection on the standard of law and order in London. Almost like the criminal know they won’t get arrested for the crime and now Tesco has to take matters into their own hands."

Security tags were placed on toilet rolls in some Tesco stores in 2023 (Tim Merry/Daily Star)

After security tags were placed on toilet roll packs in some Tesco stores last year, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported there had been a 24% rise in shoplifting offences in England and Wales over the past 12 months.

More photos at the time circulated on social media showing a range of anti-shoplifting measures being taken at different supermarkets with one of the most common ones being security tags or stickers on certain items.

Mirror Online has invited Tesco to comment.

Alan Johnson