Tesco to increase security as ‘desperate people’ turn to shoplifting

Tesco will be increasing security measures across its stores as “desperate people” turn to shoplifting as household finances continue to be put under pressure by the cost-of-living crisis.

Supermarket shoppers are likely to see extra security tags on food as well as an increased security presence in-store, Tesco boss John Allan has admitted.

Chairman of the UK’s largest supermarket – and former President of the CBI – Allan told Times Radio on Sunday (4 September) that shoplifting is a growing concern for the whole grocery industry as “desperate people seek desperate measures”.

Allan revealed that Tesco would be upping its efforts to deter shoplifting, putting more security tags on certain items as well as adding more security guards in key locations within certain stores. He added that not all stores would be increasing security measures, but those that did would be doing so “selectively” and “intelligently”.

“I think shoplifting is a concern and getting the police to take action and respond to cases where we and other retailers – and this is a concern right across the retail trade – is an issue,” he said.

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“I don’t sympathise with people who shoplift but I can understand desperate people taking desperate measures sometimes when they’ve literally got no money left.”

Allan went on to clarify that additional security tags would be used on products which are “most likely” to be stolen, saying: “Obviously there’s a limit to the amount you can do, so we try to do that intelligently in terms of the products that are most likely to be stolen.”

“Yes, we are putting more security presence into those of our stores that are most impacted by shoplifting but we are doing that selectively.”

Allan’s comments come in the wake of news that shoplifting has surged by 22% over the past year, with trade union Usdaw’s general secretary, Paddy Lillis urging the government to take immediate steps to help those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The news follows previous reports that supermarket chains have been putting security tags on items such as cheese and baby formula. Fresh food prices are currently 10.5% higher than last August, with products such as milk and margarine seeing the biggest rises.