Tesco introduces ‘major new security measure’ in ‘theft hotspots’

Tesco customers have reacted in disbelief after a shopper spotted one of the supermarket’s latest anti-theft measures.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shoplifting offences in England and Wales are now at their highest since records began, rising 23% to more than 490,000 between September 2023 and September 2024. Region Security Guarding, meanwhile, report that the most commonly stolen goods from supermarkets are packed meat, razor blades, alcohol, beauty cosmetics and cheese.

And it’s the booze aisle that caught the attention of one TikTok user who shared in-store video footage of one of Tesco’s transparent locked cabinets. “New security in Tesco,” they penned as they highlighted a touch screen digital display that reads: “Hello. The cabinet is locked for security reasons. Please tap the arrow below for access.”

After tapping the arrow, shoppers are told the request is being processed as a voice states: “Thank you for your patience, the cabinet door will open shortly. Thank you for shopping with Tesco.”

“That’s what happens when Tesco prices are too high and people are resorting to theft (not that I condone it),” one TikTok user slammed in response. Whilst a sceptic suggested: “Shoplifters will just wait for the door to open and then nick everything and just walk out in front of security. Like they always do.”

Others praised the idea, however, including one person who pointed out: “Camera just above it. Uses facial recognition software to prevent loss. Signs on way in.” A second added: “It has facial recognition – if you’ve shoplifted from anywhere else and got caught, it won’t open.”

Whilst a third said of the process: “If the door stays open for a few seconds or more security are alerted, shelves are ‘weighted’ so Tesco knows what bottle has just been removed. Also checks door is closed. For pricey alcohol only cabinets.”

Morrisons is claimed to have adopted a similar security measure too, as another individual pointed out: “In Morrisons you have wait until someone comes to open them.” However, it appears there is a flaw, as someone else added: “Morrisons did the same near me, they now leave them unlocked because there was no staff to open them constantly.”

Tesco told us it has introduced a new cabinet for spirits and sparkling wine in a small number of large stores as an additional security measure to help reduce theft. The supermarket explained that the cabinet’s doors are locked until a customer needs to access a product, at which point they’re required to press a button and wait for the door to open – as outlined in the TikTok video.

Speaking last year, Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said the supermarket chain was spending tens of millions of pounds on “necessary measures” to fight crime, but warned “they are still not enough”.

These measures include equipping staff with bodyworn cameras, installing protective screens and rolling out door entry systems at store entrances. Meanwhile, the hub team in Daventry, Northamptonshire, will analyse thousands of hours of CCTV, working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and sharing information with police.