Tesco beg clients for assist catching shoplifters in determined bid to cease crimewave

The popular shop has put up signs asking people to help them catch shoplifters by reporting to staff if they see something suspicious while browsing the shelves

Tesco is asking customers to shop a shoplifter in a desperate bid to stem millions of pounds lost to theft.

At one crime-plagued store in Purley, south London, Sunday Star checkers spotted store chiefs sticking warning signs next to popular targets for pilferers, including Wilkinson Sword razors worth £8.50.

The signs – placed next to the lady shavers – read: “Seen something suspicious? Tell a member of our team. Better safe than sorry.” A staff member told us: “The signs work. Members of the public tell the security guards if they see any potential shoplifters and they keep an eye on them with the cameras that we have. Have you seen how many cameras we have – it’s crazy.”

Shopper Kevin Ward, 34, of Epsom, Surrey, said: “I was a bit taken back when I saw the signs at first. Asking punters to grass on thieves shows just how bad the problem has got. I wonder if they give a reward?” it is not the first time the crime-hit retailer has been affected by Britain’s theft plague.

In November reports stated Tesco stores were sticking anti-theft stickers on chocolate advent calendars worth just £2. And earlier last year we told how Tesco boffins were working on 40 anti-pilfering devices designed to halt the shoplifting epidemic with top security firm Sekura Global.

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In 2023, reports stated booze cabinets had been padlocked at the Purley outlet and other big stores to prevent thefts with only staff holding the key.

While months later in 2024 bosses installed new futuristic ‘Freedom Case’ security cabinets with a four-step access system designed to halt thefts.

Also in Purley, reports stated store chiefs were forced to remove selfserve cups from their Costa Express machines to stop brazen thieves enjoying a free brew.

The supermarket suggested some punters had been “forgetting to pay” after using pour-it-yourself dispensers.

And last month it was revealed new ‘anti-shoplifter’ trolley scales were being trialled at a Tesco in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

In January, the British Retail Consortium reported the total cost of customer theft had soared to £2.2 billion in 2023/24.

There were over 20 million incidents of theft last year – 55,000 incidents per day – compared to 16 million the previous year.

Graham Wynn, of the BRC, told us: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it feeds through into higher prices for honest shoppers at the till.”

Martyn James, independent consumer champion, added: “It is high time we all shop a shoplifter.

“But be sensitive when reporting thieves. Bear in mind that staff have enough to deal with without threats of violence so don’t expect them to rugby tackle the thief to the floor.

“And do your bit by reporting the matter to the police too.”

Tesco declined to comment.

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