Asda has banned shoppers from using “granny trolleys” at its Leyton, East London store in a bid to tackle shoplifting.

The wheeled trolleys, which are often used by older customers, need to be left at the supermarket’s door following a host of shoplifters using the bags to steal products, The Telegraph reported.

The trolleys are currently being lined up next to the security desk on the way in to the store with numbered labels placed on top. Customers are then only allowed to collect their bag on their way out of the shop.

According to the newspaper, the Leyton store has witnessed customers using the wheeled bags to hide products, and then using the self-service checkouts to only scan some of their items.

A supervisor at the store explained the ban was brought in a month ago after workers noticed customers using the trolleys to shoplift.

The staff member said: “We have seen such cases at least two or four times every week. We have caught people doing that and have taken them to the police.

“We have even banned some people from the store. Because of this rule now, we don’t have any more issues.”

The retailer’s individual shops are reportedly free to decide their own security measures, with an Asda spokesman confirming the rule was not being implemented throughout the rest of its stores.

An Asda spokesman said: “Our top priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe which is why our stores will implement policies that seek to deter shoplifting including the use of external trolleys.

“We regret that this customer had a negative experience on this occasion, but we hope that our customers understand the need to keep our stores safe for everyone.”

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