Major supermarket forced to put empty jars of coffee on shelves as cases of shoplifting soar
A WELL known supermarket has put empty jars of coffee on display in an attempt to deter shoplifting.
Spar is now the latest big name retailer to take action against shoplifters.
Other high street giants have taken steps to try and stop the theft of high value items such as alcohol and steaks.
Now the franchise holder at one Spar has decided to start putting empty jars of coffee on display.
They were spotted at a store in Burnley, Lancs – just a mile from Burnley’s Turf Moor Premier League ground.
The budget supermarket has ten different varieties that are all empty. The most expensive is a 200g one of Nescafe Gold Blend costing £7.25.
A tiny 100g container of L’Or Classic costs £6.99 and a 95g Nescafe Gold Blend Alta Rica priced at £5.55.
There are also no coffee granules in the 200g Nescafe Original – £5.50 – and the £4.29 Douwe Egberts Pure Gold.
There are also dummy jars of 95g of Nescafe Gold Blend, £3.65 and Kenco, Rich, Smooth or Decaf ,£3.50. A 95g of Nescafe Original priced at £3.09 is still empty.
A “sign on the shelf says: “If you require any items on display please take them to the tills.” The only one with coffee in it is the Spar own brand costing £2.99.
Local Dave Gurnett was shocked to see it.
He said: “Poverty and desperation are at record levels.
“People are relying on shoplifting and food banks to survive.”
Another local – called Craig – said: “Expensive jars.
“Such a shame when they have to go to such lengths to run a business.”
Another – named Dan – said: “It’s a sad state of affairs really.”
It comes due to rising supermarket prices amid the cost of living crisis and a spike in shoplifting as Brits can’t afford them.
Earlier this year Morrisons decided to lock away alcohol in a glass case. Visitors to the branch off Hagley Road, Five Ways in Birmingham, have to press a button and then wait for an assistant to turn up who then unlocks the door.
Spar has been approached for comment.