“Enhancing Security Measures: Chocolate Bars Now Protected by Locking Cases, Ensuring Shopper Safety”

Shoppers at a UK retailer were left surprised when they discovered popular Galaxy chocolate bars locked behind security cases. The Co-op in Cambridge had £1.25 Galaxy bars secured in perspex cases, causing confusion among customers. Typically, retailers lock up high-risk or expensive items to prevent theft, but locking away a chocolate bar priced just over £1 seemed unusual to shoppers. One shopper expressed their surprise, saying, “I did a double take when I saw it. It used to just be expensive items, but now a bar of chocolate that costs just over £1? It’s very sad.” Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales have increased by a quarter in the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Additionally, more than 200,000 shoplifting cases went unsolved in the past year. This rise in consequence-free thefts has led to calls from MPs to address the growing crime epidemic. The Co-op reported a loss of £33m in its food business during the first six months of 2023. Other supermarkets have also taken measures to combat theft, such as displaying empty jars of coffee or locking away alcohol in glass cases. The Sun has reached out to Co-op for comment.