Greggs launches ‘theft-proof’ shops as shoplifting thugs pressure bakery into whole lockout
Greggs is launching “fortress” stores with bakery goods kept behind counters to stop shoplifters as retail crime figures across the UK reach their peak
Greggs is taking strong measures to reduce shoplifting at its stores(Image: Getty)
Greggs has been forced to transform its shops into high-security “fortresses” to fend off a wave of lawless looters. In an aggressive crackdown on shoplifting, the bakery chain has officially axed self-service displays in high-risk areas.
Hungry punters will now find themselves facing a lockout where every single sausage roll and steak bake is kept safely behind a theft-proof counter, accessible only by staff.
The drastic overhaul comes as official figures show shoplifting offences have spiralled out of control, now topping 500,000 cases a year. The West Croydon branch of Greggs in South London recently threw open its doors following a major refit.
The makeover is designed to stop thieves in their tracks and protect workers from the terrifying violence that has plagued the high street, according to The Sun.
The strategy is currently being tested across a string of hotspots, with stores in Croydon and Peckham in South London, Whitechapel and Upton Park in East London, Birmingham, and Wilford in Nottinghamshire all adopting the high-security approach.
If the pilot scheme manages to keep shoplifters at bay while keeping customers happy, the bakery giant plans to roll out the security measures even further across its 2,735-branch empire.
Greggs has even been forced to draft in professional bouncers at several locations to act as a human shield for employees.
The justice system has come under fire after Adam Gosling, 39, dodged a prison sentence despite a staggering 38-day crime spree at the bakery’s Greenford branch.
Gosling looted £1,817 worth of treats, often hitting the shop multiple times a day, but walked away from court with a four-month suspended sentence. Retail experts warn that the cost of thefts will eventually land on the plates of law-abiding Brits.
Lucy Whing, crime policy lead at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Criminals and organised gangs are targeting products that are easy to move and sell on. Ultimately such theft is not a victimless crime, it pushes up the prices for honest shoppers.”
Marc Gander of the Consumer Action Group blasted the lack of a police presence on our streets. He said: “Where are the police? They are the people we trust to take care of shoplifting.
“I suppose they are under-resourced but they prioritise so many other things. High street theft seems to be reaching enormous proportions.”
A spokesperson for Greggs said: “This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a very small number 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.”
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