Supermarket using dummy boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates to thwart surge in shoplifters
DUMMY boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocs are being used in Co-op stores — to thwart shoplifters.
The empty display packs need to be exchanged for the £7.35 real deal at checkouts.
They are among about 50 such dummy products, including Lindt and Thorntons chocolates, coffee and dishwasher tablets, used by the supermarket chain.
Bosses say the move is a response to bulk shoplifting — in which thieves sweep costly products into bags, suitcases and even wheelie-bins.
They then often violently confront staff trying to stop them leaving.
The supermarket has seen record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour this year, with almost 1,000 incidents each day in the six months to June.
Director Kate Graham said: “It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers.”
The dummy packaging will be used in higher-risk stores.
Other security measures include bodycams for staff and GPS-tracked security cases on the most expensive items.