Greggs Takes Action Against Shoplifting by Removing Self-Serve Fridges
In a move to combat shoplifting, Greggs, the UK-based bakery chain, is introducing a new trial in at least five of its stores, including one in Whitechapel, east London. The trial involves removing self-serve fridges and placing sandwiches behind the counter, requiring customers to ask a shop assistant to hand over their desired items.
According to a spokesperson for Greggs, as reported by The Independent, "This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. Customers can expect to see our full range of great value and tasty Greggs favourites available from behind the counter. The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority."
The new policy aims to reduce shoplifting, which has become a significant concern for retailers across the UK. As reported by The Independent, the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales surpassed half a million for the first time on record, with 516,971 offences recorded in 2024, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) attributes the sharp rise in shoplifting offences to a surge following the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, retailers are implementing new strategies to tackle the issue. Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, for example, has introduced ‘VAR-style’ cameras at self-checkouts, which show customers a replay if they do not scan items correctly.
Greggs’ trial is currently limited to stores that are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour, with no plans to introduce the new format to all stores across the country. The bakery chain has over 2,600 shops across the UK and has reported a pre-tax profit of £203.9 million in 2024, 8.3 per cent higher than in 2023.
As The Independent previously reported, Greggs raised the prices of some of its food items last year, including its traditional sausage roll, which increased by 5p to £1.30. Other items, such as coffee and doughnuts, also rose by between 5p and 10p. The chain’s chief executive, Roisin Donnelly, stated that many customers are continuing to worry about the cost of living, including energy prices, mortgage, and rent costs.
The initiative by Greggs to remove self-serve fridges and place sandwiches behind the counter is just one example of retailers taking action to prevent shoplifting. As the issue continues to affect businesses across the UK, it remains to be seen whether this trial will be successful in reducing shoplifting and if it will be rolled out to more stores in the future.
The changes at Greggs come at a time when retailers are facing increasing pressure to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. As reported by The Independent, the issue has been highlighted as a major concern for businesses, with many calling for greater support from authorities to address the problem.
Sources:
The Independent: Greggs sandwiches and drinks to be kept behind counter in some shops in trial
Office for National Statistics: Shoplifting offences in England and Wales
