Supermarkets’ drastic motion to cease shoplifters nicking condoms in ‘daylight rubbery’

Prices have swelled by as much as 30 per cent since the conflict in the Middle East saw the Strait of Hormuz blocked, sparking a cost of loving crisis for lusty lovers

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Lusty lovers have sparked a surge in condom theft after suppliers warned prices are set to rocket by a whopping 30%.

High street stores including Boots, Savers, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s have all ratcheted up anti-theft measures to prevent the health aids from being nicked by sex-starved shoplifters.

Many are being locked away in boxes whilst others are being slapped with yellow alarm stickers.

Boffins reckon thieves are taking advantage of soaring demand for the contraceptives as prices soar on the global market since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In recent days researchers found Sainsbury’s has attached yellow security alarm stickers to £13 – or £10 with a Nectar Card – 12 packs of Durex Thin Feel at their branch in Redhill, Surrey.

Similarly, in demand 10-packs of Mates Skyn “Feel Everything” condoms on sale for £11 are protected by two alarm stickers and 14-pack boxes of Mates King Size for £7 are also tagged.

Astonished shopper Wes Young, 38, said: “Some people might call it a case of ‘daylight rubbery’ or maybe killjoys just want to ruin our fun.

“Jokes aside it makes you wonder what is going to become a target for theft next now we know even condom supplies are at threat due to the Iran’s blockade.”

At a nearby Tesco store 12-packs of Durex “Pleasure Me” condoms on sale for £13.75 are also subject to enhanced security measures.

While in budget health and beauty store Savers, punters eyeing up Durex and Pasante condom supplies are met with signage warning, “Items in this store are electronically tagged.”

And at Croydon Boots in south London supplies of 10-pack boxes of Durex Ultra-Thin and 9-packs of Durex Intensity on sale for £14.99 each are both security tagged to prevent thefts.

Last month the boss of Karex, which produces over five billion condoms a year and supplies Durex, Trojan and the NHS, warned the firm had taken a hit due to the conflict.

He also warned of shortages, saying demand for condoms had risen by 30 per cent, as people put off having kids due to the economic impact of the war.

Boss Goh Miah Kiat, said: “In bad times, the need to use condoms is even more because you’re uncertain with your future, whether you’d still have a job next year.

“If you have a baby right now, you’ll have one more mouth to feed.”

Condoms rely on materials made using oil, including ammonia and silicone-based lubricants, which are in shorter supply due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Last night experts explained why stores after ramping up protection for the sought after prophylactics.

Martyn James. independent consumer champion, added: “With some degree of irony, the nation’s protections now need protection themselves.

“Has limp policing of sneaky shoplifters hardened our attitude to criminals? Will a rise in demand for condoms lead to a baby boom cash for cash-strapped customers?

“Or will this simply lead to shops erecting more dystopian security barriers to ward off opportunistic robbers? We’ll have to see.”

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.

“Retailers have invested over £5 billion in the last five years to tackle theft and crime, including plastic sliders on shelves, and security tags.

“Ultimately such theft is not a victimless crime, pushing up the price for honest shoppers.”

All the firms were contacted for comment.