Co-op stores in north London are locking away everyday goods including chocolate, coffee and toiletries to deal with a spike in shoplifting.
In a Co-op branch in Manor House, some items are now kept in thick, plastic GPS-protected security boxes to prevent people stealing them as they struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.
Sun cream, moisturiser, and nasal spray are also among the protected items.
Some stores had previously displayed labelled dummy goods on the shelves, instructing shoppers to ask for them if they wanted to purchase.
Baby products were also equipped with security tags.
However, this is the first time chocolate has been locked away, including a Cadbury Fruit & Nut bar priced at £1.35.
A branch staff member said: "We have had to do it because of shoplifters.
“Things like coffee, even chocolate was being stolen so much so that’s why we have done this.
“Now if you want to buy something in a box you have to bring it up to us and we can get it for you.”
The cost of living has been steadily increasing in recent months.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the price of consumer goods and services experienced the fastest rate of increase seen in four decades, rising to an annual inflation rate of 7.9% in the 12 months leading up to May 2023.
This figure is up from the 7.8% recorded in April of the same year.
Food prices have also surged, registering an increase of over 18% in May 2023 compared to the previous year.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is one of the key factors contributing to the cost of living crisis.
With gas supply lines disrupted, energy prices have soared, while a shortage of Ukrainian exports including grain and sunflower oil has resulted in a global spike in food prices.
As a result, shoplifting in England and Wales has risen by 20% compared to the year ending September 2021, the ONS said.
The Co-op has trialled the use of security packaging on higher value items for a number of years.
A decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made on a store-by-store basis to ensure the safety of staff.
A Co-op spokesperson said: "Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shopworkers so, whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made, if a store is experiencing a particular issue."
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