Tesco shoppers were left shocked when discovering that basic body care products worth as little as £3 are being tagged or put in security boxes.
At Tesco Extra in Gorton today (March 20), a range of products varying from razors to lotions and vitamins could be seen either tagged or in a box. The price of the items ranged from £3-20.
Security tags are usually put on more expensive products such as alcohol and expensive meats and security boxes are usually spotted on electronic products. They are put on products to prevent them being stolen by triggering an alarm if the product leaves the store without the security measures removed.
A member of staff at Tesco told the MEN that similar items have been stolen recently, forcing staff to use extra security measures.
But, shoppers were shocked to see cheap body care products being security protected.
Lianne Polap, a frequent shopper at Tesco said: "I think it's a bit ridiculous to put the cheap items in the boxes or tag them but I do understand. If those items are being shoplifted, then I think it's better to do it but it is just surprising, you don't expect too see that."
Another Tesco customer gave her thoughts on the security tags.
She said: "I called my mum just telling her the hair shampoo that I usually get has been security tagged, I find it kind of funny. If it stops shoplifters then I'm for it."
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in Manchester with 15,724 as stated by the latest data with expectation that it will rise.
Tesco has started to put up messages where security tags and boxes are prominent so that customers understand what has been added and why.
Tesco said security boxes and tags are used for some items that are frequently targeted for theft in individual stores. But, it is understood that the policy is not universal across all stores, so some may not use extra security measures.
