Mon, 19 May 2025

Mon, 19 May 2025 Greggs shifts food behind counters to stop thieves

The High Street chain is trialling moving its self-serve goods to crack down on shoplifting.
Greggs has started trialing a new security measure at some of its UK stores, where self-serve food and drinks will be moved behind counters. The move aims to tackle shoplifting in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour, such as Whitechapel in London. This follows a rise in shoplifting incidents nationwide, with 20% more offences recorded by the police in 2024 compared to the previous year. Retailers have reported even higher numbers of thefts, with some attributing this to organised gangs using Bluetooth headsets to coordinate their activities. Experts say that shoplifting has become a "way of life" for some individuals, who see it as a means to trade or sell stolen goods. However, others point out that the type of shoplifter is changing, with pensioners and mothers with young children increasingly being caught stealing small items such as food and household essentials. The rising trend in shoplifting has been linked to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living pressures. However, experts argue that most shoplifters are not motivated by financial necessity, but rather by a desire to steal high-value items for resale. In response to these challenges, some retailers are adopting new security measures, such as moving self-service areas behind counters. Greggs has stated that the safety of its customers and staff remains its top priority.
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