// Tesco make a security change to alcohol aisles ahead of Christmas
// The move comes after the retailer announced it will be checking customer receipts in some branches as they leave
Tesco is trialling a new change to alcohol aisles in store to tackle an increased in thefts.
The supermarket giant is trialling security barriers on aisles that serve alcohol following an increase in shoplifters due to the low levels of staff at the store during the night.
A store in Birmingham is predicted to be the first in the country to try out the security barrier which could be rolled out across the country if successful.
READ MORE: How does Tesco maintain its lead in grocery?
It comes after Tesco announced it will be checking customer receipts in some branches as they leave.
The security barriers mean that all shoppers will be supervised by a member of staff when attempting to buy goods.
The barriers can be left locked when it is quiet or when there are fewer staff to supervise the aisle.
A supermarket source told The Sun that while its quite an extreme method to cut down on theft, its effective.
“They are a bleak sign of the times but will save Tesco a fortune.”
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Brilliant idea….M&S could do with following suit
If they ask me for a receipt they can take the whole lot back.
Says a lot about the people of Birmingham.. top 3 things to be nicked from supermarkets..razor blades, premium cuts of meat & alcohol oh and fruit that needs to be weighed on the self check outs.
Shoplifting is always a major headache for all shops, and I think it could be on the rise as the economic issues rise. Having been in retail for nearly 40 years the issue of stockloss is always a major target that very rarely is achieved. It is good to see a prevention program being invested in, hopefully a wake up call for all other companies to support their instore teams.
They will find a way around that by stealing from the shopper or even work in groups…
A brilliant and welcome move by Tesco. I think they should have done that a long time ago. The amount of Red Store that have in London is a cause for concern. They need a comprehensive long term plan to curtailed the high incidence of shoplifting in their stores.
Why don’t they put a checkout at the only exit from the fenced off / isolated alcohol section. Like at airports seal purchase to show/ indicate payment.
You will never completely aradicate theft in supermarkets. I should no because I’m a security officer working for Tesco.