UK Shops Lock Chocolate to Combat Shoplifting

Shops in the UK are taking extreme action to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate. Stores are locking chocolate in plastic boxes. Customers must ask a member of staff to unlock the box. One supermarket said it is using 'boxes on products which are regularly targeted' by thieves. Another store said chocolate theft was a 'massive issue' and costs thousands of pounds a week. It said some shoplifters 'literally swipe the whole shelf' of chocolate. Chocolate is the latest target of criminal gangs. A store association said 'prolific offenders' are stealing chocolate and selling it on the black market. Only alcohol is stolen more often. Another association said chocolate was now a 'high-value' target, so stores are installing anti-theft devices. There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year. Sadly, there are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.