Tesco increases security at stores to stop shoplifting amid cost of living crisis

Tesco is increasing security at its stores to prevent shoplifting as people struggle with the rising costs of living.

The retailer is “putting more security presence” into branches “most impacted” by shoplifting, its chairman has said. And more security tags are being put on items.

John Allan made the comments when asked about a leaked strategy paper drawn up by police chiefs, and seen by the Sunday Times. The document warned “economic turmoil” could fuel shoplifting, burglary, blackmail, corruption and “civil unrest”.

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Asked about the paper, Mr Allan told Times Radio: “I think shoplifting is a concern and you know, getting the police to take action and respond… this is a concern right across the retail trade. I don't sympathise with people who shoplift, but I can understand desperate people taking desperate measures. Sometimes when you know, they've literally got no money left.”

Asked if the firm was putting more security tags on items he replied: “Well, yes, we do. But obviously, there's a limit to the amount you can do. So we tried to do that, you know, intelligently in terms of the products that are most likely to be stolen.

“And yes, we are putting more security presence into those of our stores that are most impacted by shoplifting. But we're doing that selectively.”

The leaked document said police chiefs were increasingly concerned "economic turmoil and financial instability" has "potential to drive increases in particular crime types". A senior officer at one force told their MP that without significant government intervention, they feared a return to the conditions that led to the 2011 London riots, reports The Mirror.

As domestic bills soar from £1,277 to £3,549 a year in 12 months, and commercial bills go even higher, Mr Allan said “I sincerely hope” Tesco will not close stores. While some shops do not have their leases renewed regardless of the energy bills crisis, he said: “We will resist that as long as ever we can.”

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